RESPIRATORY VIRUSES

​​​​​​​​​​​​What is a respiratory virus?

Respiratory viruses cause illnesses that affect the nose, throat and breathing passages including the lungs. These viruses commonly result in mild cold or flu like symptoms in most people, except in those with risk factors, the elderly and the very young. Common respiratory viruses include:

 

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

What are common symptoms?
Usually causes mild infection similar to a common cold.

What complications can occur?
bronchitis
pneumonia

Rhinovirus

What are common symptoms?
Usually causes mild infection similar to a common cold.

What complications can occur?
Sinus infections
ear infections

Adenovirus

What are common symptoms?
Can cause mild flu-like symptoms, conjunctivitis or gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea or vomiting.

What complications can occur?
Severe illness is less common.​

Respiratory syncytial virus

What are common symptoms?
Symptoms are usually similar to the common cold.​

What complications can occur?
Ear infections
bronchitis
pneumonia

 

How do respiratory viruses spread?

Respiratory viruses are spread from person to person by:

• breathing in droplets when someone with the virus breathes, coughs or sneezes
• touching a contaminated surface or object that a person with the virus has coughed or sneezed on, then touching their own eyes, nose or mouth.

What are common symptoms of respiratory viruses?

Symptoms may be different depending on which virus is causing the illness and people with the same virus may have different symptoms and severity.

However, there are symptoms that are common to many respiratory viruses. These include fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and feeling generally unwell.

Symptoms will often be mild or moderate, but some people may get very unwell and this is usually due to complications from worsening infection.

How long does it take to get sick after catching a respiratory virus?

Most people develop symptoms between 1 to 10 days after getting infected, depending on which virus they have.

How long am I infectious for (able to pass the infection on to other people)?

If you have a respiratory virus infection, you are usually most contagious in the first few days that you have symptoms. However, sometimes people are infectious a few days before their symptoms start. While you continue to have a fever or generally feel unwell, you are still infectious. Some people, particularly those who are immunosuppressed, can remain infectious after they have recovered from their illness.

What should I do if I get a respiratory virus?

Most people can manage respiratory illnesses safely at home with rest, regular paracetamol or ibuprofen and keeping hydrated with frequent sips of water.

Remember all medicines should be used following the manufacturer’s instructions:

• Paracetamol may be used for relief of symptoms
• Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory which can be used for short-term relief of pain, fever and inflammation.
• Aspirin should not be given to children.
• Antibiotics do not help as they have no effect on viruses, and can be harmful if taken incorrectly.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek medical advice at any time you are concerned about your symptoms, or if you have any of the following:

• worsening symptoms (including if symptoms were getting better but are now getting worse again)
• shortness of breath making it difficult to walk or conduct usual activities
• difficulty breathing, chest tightness that lasts for more than 10 minutes
• confusion and difficulty remembering day, date or names
• inability to keep liquids down because of vomiting
• symptoms of dehydration (such as being dizzy when standing up)

Talk to your doctor or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222  if you need further advice.

If your symptoms become severe, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

How do I reduce my risk of getting respiratory viruses, or passing them on to others?

There are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself, your family and your community. These include:

Keep children away from school and early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings while they have symptoms. This includes childcare, long day care, family day care and outside school hours care.​​​

Wear a face mask. Masks provide an extra layer of protection against viral illnesses and are strongly recommended in crowded places.

Wash your hands regularly, and as soon as possible after sneezing or coughing. Use soap and water and wash for 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if you can’t wash your hands with soap and water.

Avoid sharing cups, glasses and cutlery with people who are sick. Regularly wash or wipe down utensils and surfaces with a household cleaner that contains soap or detergent.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, or use your elbow. Don’t use your hands. Dispose of tissues straight away in a bin.

Stay at home if you feel unwell so you don’t pass your virus to other people.

 

For more information : NSW Government Health:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/respiratory-viruses.aspx