Adenovirus
The symptoms of respiratory diseases caused by adenoviruses range from the common cold to acute bronchitis and pneumonia. Patients with a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible to serious complications. The pathogen is transmitted via droplets, fecal-oral transmission and occasionally through contaminated water.
Bocavirus
This pathogen is spread worldwide and affects people of all ages. Very rarely, adults have to be hospitalized for this reason. Bocavirus is detected in 1.5% to 19% of all children with respiratory tract infections, often together with other respiratory viruses.
Coronavirus
This virus is most common in spring and summer. It is then responsible for up to 35% of upper respiratory tract infections. Major epidemics occur every 2-3 years. The virus is transmitted via droplet infection. The incubation period until a cold develops is two days on average.
Parainfluenza virus
This virus usually only breaks out every two years in the fall. The pathogen is mainly responsible for croup syndrome, which is problematic for children aged between 6 and 48 months. The parainfluenza virus is particularly dangerous for immunocompromised people. It remains infectious in droplet form for over an hour.
Metapneumovirus
Occurs in temperate climates at the beginning of winter, often together with RSV. The symptoms are similar to those of RSV, but less severe. In children it triggers upper and lower respiratory tract infections, in adults flu-like infections, older people can develop bronchitis and pneumonia. An infection can have fatal consequences for transplanted patients.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
In temperate climates, localized outbreaks of RSV often occur in winter. Children usually have a cold and a fever, adults have a sore throat and a low temperature. Re-infection is frequent, but always with a milder course. The course can be severe in immunosuppressed patients.
Rhinovirus
If you are infected with the rhinovirus, your throat will scratch first, then your nose will run and finally your cough will set in. The cold usually subsides after a few days. Severe respiratory infections can occur in small children and risk groups.
Influenza virus
The influenza virus occurs worldwide, as influenza A virus mainly in birds, pigs and other mammals and as influenza B virus in humans. The onset of illness is sudden with fever and symptoms of an acute respiratory infection such as dry cough, muscle aches and headaches, sore throat, runny nose and general weakness. Influenza is transmitted from person to person via droplets and as a smear infection via contaminated surfaces. You can be vaccinated against the flu!
