Overview of viral respiratory tract infections in children

[Jason Yan]

Viral respiratory tract infections affect the nose, throat, and airways and may be caused by any of several different viruses.

Common respiratory tract infections include the common cold and influenza.
Typical symptoms include nasal congestion, a runny nose, scratchy throat, cough, and irritability.
The diagnosis is based on symptoms.
Good hygiene is the best way to prevent these infections, and routine vaccination can help prevent influenza.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms.

Children develop on average six viral respiratory tract infections each year.
Viral respiratory tract infections are typically divided into

Upper respiratory tract infections: Symptoms occur mainly in the nose and throat. Viral upper respiratory tract infections may occur at any age and include the common cold and influenza.
Lower respiratory tract infections: Symptoms occur in the windpipe, airways, and lungs. Viral lower respiratory tract infections are more common among children and include croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.

Children sometimes have infections involving both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.