All About Respiratory Viruses

Respiratory illnesses come from viruses that affect the respiratory system .

Common respiratory illnesses:

• Cold (rhinovirus/enterovirus)
• Flu (influenza A and B)
• Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
• Adenovirus
• HPIVs (human parainfluenza viruses)
• hMPV (human metapneumovirus)

Respiratory illnesses cause symptoms, such as:

• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Tiredness
• Wheezing

Who is at risk for respiratory illness?

Anyone can get sick from a respiratory virus, but some people have a higher chance of serious illness

• Older adults
• Young kids
• People with weakened immune systems
• Pregnant people
• People with disabilities
• People with certain health conditions, like:
• Lung disease
• Diabetes
• Heart disease

How can we protect ourselves and others from respiratory viruses?
Stay up to date on all recommended vaccines, especially for flu, RSV and Covid-19 . Vaccines can help protect you from serious illness from respiratory viruses.

Other steps you can take to avoid getting sick from respiratory viruses

• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching your face
• Wipe down doorknobs and other commonly touched surfaces
• Stay home when you’re feeling sick
• Keep sick kids home from school
• Use an air purifier
• Wear a mask in public

Not sure if you’re due for a vaccine? Need help figuring out how to get vaccinated? Ask your healthcare provider, call your local health department or visit vaccinefinder.org.

This educational resource was created with support from Moderna.