upper respiratory tract infection

Last edited 03/2020 and last reviewed 11/2020

The majority of upper respiratory tract infections are due to infection with picornaviruses of the rhinovirus group. However other viruses such as adenoviruses, coronaviruses, coxsachie viruses, echoviruses, influenza viruses, para-influenza viruses and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause upper respiratory tract infections.

RSV, the influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses I and II and adenoviruses can also cause acute infection of the larynx, trachea and major bronchi.