Protecting yourself and your family from respiratory infections

Respiratory infections affect your breathing and range from common colds to more severe infections such as Influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). They can affect anyone in the family and can range from being mild infections which make you feel a bit under the weather to severe life-threatening illnesses. The risk of being very unwell from respiratory infections is higher for younger children, the elderly and anyone who has long term medical conditions such as Asthma or Diabetes.

These infections can occur at any time during the year however they are more common in the winter period from December to March when people tend to spend more time indoors and the infections can spread easily from person to person.

Influenza (flu)

Flu is the name many people use to describe a bad cold or feeling unwell with sneezing, coughing and a raised temperature. But ask anyone who has had proper Influenza, and they will tell you that it is a nasty infection which can make you feel very unwell.

People affected are often so ill that they are unable to work or even to get out of bed. The symptoms include headaches and joint pains as well as being bunged up, coughing and being short of breath. The illness can last for weeks and can also lead to secondary infections such as chest infections and pneumonia.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is probably the respiratory infection we are all most familiar with following the recent pandemic. It usually causes high temperature along with the other symptoms of coughing, sneezing and feeling generally unwell. It too can lead to other infections especially in those at highest risk.

RSV

RSV is another respiratory infection which is also like Influenza and COVID-19 in the symptoms it causes. Although not as well-known as the others it is more widespread than people realise. Those at greatest risk from RSV infections are young children and people over age 75. Babies and young children can be severely affected with chest and ear infections and often need to be admitted to hospital.