‘Tis the Season? What to Know About Common Respiratory Infections

How to Spot and Prevent Common Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections happen often during the winter months, but knowing how to manage your risk may not be clear.

Let’s take a look at some common symptoms and prevention methods to give you a better idea of what you may be dealing with – and what you can do to stay healthy.

Common Symptoms and Types of Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are viral or bacterial infections that affect the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system. Symptoms vary depending on type, but they may include:

• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Fatigue

There are several different types of respiratory infections. Each of these may have different risk factors and potentially even available treatment options. These include:

• Common cold: Adults average roughly two to three cases of the common cold every year. More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the common cold. It mainly affects the nose, throat and sinuses, with typical symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, coughing, fatigue and occasionally headache.
• Influenza: Caused by the influenza virus, the flu is among the most common respiratory viral infections. Over-the-counter tests, similar to or combined with those for COVID-19, are available to help make a diagnosis, if needed. People with certain medical conditions, including those with weakened immune systems or more severe symptoms should contact their care provider.
• RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common lung and respiratory tract infection with symptoms that are very similar to the flu. Those with weaker immune systems, including infants and older adults, as well as those with congenital heart disease or chronic lung conditions, are at highest risk for contracting RSV.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia may be caused by either bacteria or viruses. The risk of pneumonia is higher in those with a weakened immune system, including those with chronic conditions like heart disease, liver disease, lung disease and diabetes. Infants and older adults are also at higher risk. Your care provider will work with you to design a treatment plan that may include antibiotics or antiviral medications, if appropriate.
• COVID-19: COVID-19 shares many of the same symptoms with other respiratory viral infections, including cough and sore throat with or without fever. In fact, due to these similarities, a COVID-19 test is one of the most reliable ways to know for sure whether you have COVID-19 or another infection. Getting tested may help you and your care team devise an appropriate treatment plan, particularly if you or someone who you live with has risk factors for developing a more severe infection.

Keeping Yourself Illness-Free

Respiratory viral illnesses typically spread through the air via suspended infectious particles from someone who’s infected. The best ways to prevent infection are to practice good personal hygiene (wearing a mask when in crowded areas and cleaning hands before touching your face) and avoiding close contact with infected people.

If you get sick, you can protect those around you by staying home, wearing a mask around others, and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Vaccines are available for the flu, RSV and COVID-19 and are typically the best way to prevent and/or reduce the severity of an infection. Expectant mothers may receive the RSV vaccine to help prevent infection in newborns. Those aged 75 years and over or 50-74 years with increased risk of severe disease may also receive the RSV vaccine.

Except in rare cases, everyone aged six months and older is eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. In addition to vaccination, several antiviral medications are approved as treatment for COVID-19 and also for influenza in certain cases.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

While mild cases are usually treatable at home with plenty of fluids, rest and over-the-counter pain medications, you should reach out to your care team if you or someone in your family experiences any of the following:

• High fever
• Severe cough
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Bluish color of the skin

Talk to your doctor about your potential risk factors for more severe complications from respiratory infections and what you can do to best prepare and stay healthy this winter.