Respiratory Viruses

Respiratory viruses are among the most common acute viral infections affecting humans and contribute appreciably to school and to work absenteeism. Globally, acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) cause frequent morbidity and mortality among children under the age of 5 years, and are a major health care burden (1). Among the very young and the very old, as well as those with chronic medical conditions, respiratory viruses contribute substantially to medical visits, prescription of antibiotics and antivirals, hospitalizations, and deaths.