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.