Respiratory Illnesses

Common Cold

Colds are common infections of the nose, throat and ears. They spread easily through close contact with someone who is sick. Colds usually last less than a week and are caused by different respiratory viruses.

Symptoms include:

• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Mild body aches
• Fever (usually low grade in older children and adults)

Prevention:

Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and try to stay away from people who are sick.

RSV

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and airways. It often causes cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and mild fever, but it can lead to more serious illness in infants, young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

Prevention:

Practice good hygiene—washing hands, avoiding close contact with sick people and cleaning surfaces. Vaccines are recommended for adults 75 and older, adults 50–74 at higher risk, and for infants through either a maternal vaccine during pregnancy or an antibody after birth. 

Flu

Influenza (Flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. While many people recover in a few days, the flu can sometimes cause serious complications, especially in young children, older adults and people with certain health conditions.

Symptoms include:

• fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Prevention:

Protect yourself by washing your hands regularly, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and staying home if you feel unwell. Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick with the flu. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can affect the lungs and airways, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. While many people experience mild symptoms, COVID-19 can cause severe illness or complications, especially in older adults or those with underlying health conditions.

Symptoms Include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• New loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

Prevention:

To prevent COVID-19 illness, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask in crowded or indoor settings, stay home if you feel sick, and get vaccinated and boosted when eligible.

Croup

Croup is a viral infection that affects the upper airways, causing swelling around the voice box and windpipe. It most commonly occurs in young children and can lead to a distinctive barking cough, hoarseness and sometimes noisy breathing.

Symptoms Include:

• A whistling or high-pitched sound when breathing
• Breathing faster than normal or struggling to breathe normally
• Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling
• Hoarse voice
• Visible distress, anxiety or fussiness
• Fever

Prevention:

Wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with sick children and keep surfaces clean.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs, causing the air sacs to fill with fluid or pus. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause it and may lead to symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be mild or severe and is especially risky for infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms Include:

• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• Altered mental status (confusion)
• Cough
• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Fever or chills
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

Prevention:

Practice good hand hygiene and avoid close contact with sick people. Staying healthy through regular exercise, a balanced diet and not smoking can also help lower your risk of severe infection. Vaccination is also available.