Respiratory Viruses

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Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory illnesses affect the lungs and airways, making breathing difficult. They can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Common viral illnesses include flu, COVID-19, RSV, rhinovirus, and parainfluenza, while bacterial illnesses include pertussis (whooping cough), Mycoplasma pneumonia, and pneumococcal disease.

Because these illnesses share similar symptoms, many of the same prevention strategies apply. Today, more tools than ever are available to help protect individuals, families, and communities from severe respiratory illness.

Who is at higher risk for severe respiratory illness?

Older adults (65+), young children (under 2), and people who are pregnant, have weakened immune systems, living with disabilities, or who have underlying conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease are at greater risk for severe illness.

How can I prevent respiratory illness?

Stay up to date on vaccinations (flu, COVID-19, and RSV for eligible groups)
Practice good hygiene like handwashing and cleaning surfaces
Improve indoor air quality by bringing in fresh air or purifying indoor spaces
If you’re sick, take steps to prevent spreading illness, seek care promptly if you’re at higher risk, and stay home to protect others.

For added protection, masking and physical distancing can help reduce exposure and spread, and testing can quickly identify respiratory viruses so treatment and prevention steps aren’t delayed.

Treating Respiratory Illnesses

Antivirals are taken for viral infections like flu and COVID-19, and can reduce disease severity, hospitalization, and death.

Antibiotics are taken for bacterial infections and have no effect on viral infections.

Antiviral medications and antibiotics are not sold over the counter in the United States. You can only get these medications if you have a prescription from a health care provider.