Acute Respiratory Virus Infections

Abstract

Acute respiratory infections are most commonly due to viruses. These are strict parasites of man and most are highly adapted to growth in respiratory epithelium, but they belong to a wide range of biological families. Some exist in many serotypes - for example rhinoviruses. For this reason, although people develop some degree of specific immunity after infection, numerous infections occur and this is why respiratory illnesses are so common. The illnesses range from mild upper respiratory disease - common colds - by way of sore throats and bronchitis to severe lower respiratory illnesses, particularly in children. These infections are usually transmitted indoors, but the exact mechanisms are still unclear.