What can I do for upper respiratory infection(URI)

Condition analysis:
An upper respiratory infection is any illness that causes symptoms in your upper respiratory system. Basically, this is anything above your shoulders. It includes coughing too, though generally coughs from upper respiratory infections are caused by drainage and irritation in the throat, rather than deeper in the lungs.

Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses such as the common cold.

Instructions:
What You Can Do
Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses and will go away on their own. There usually isn't any reason to go to the doctor but there are things you can do to get relief from your symptoms.

Cough and Cold Medications
Over the counter cold and cough medications may help relieve symptoms such as congestion, cough and headache. If the medication you take does not contain a pain reliever (such as acetaminophen), taking one may help with headache, sore throat, ear pain and other discomfort caused by your illness.

Saline Nasal Rinse
Rinsing your sinuses is one of the best ways to flush out the mucus that makes you feel so miserable when you have a cold or upper respiratory infection. It's easy and safe, as long as you use saline solution that is pre-made or made from distilled or previously boiled water.

Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which is especially helpful at night when you are sleeping and the air tends to be dry. Extra moisture in the air from a humidifier can help thin the mucus in your head as well. This can help you get more sleep because you can breathe more easily when your nasal passages aren't so irritated by dry air.