This presentation tackles the topic of common viral respiratory infections (RSV, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus, Influenza and Covid-19). Presentation provides critical information but should be combined with knowledge of the presenter since it's meant for proper presentating and not read-only. Use freely to study or present.

1. Common viral
respiratory
infections
Jan Stanislaw Dorosz
M1770

2. Contents:
- Common and unique Features
- Investigative methods
- Complications
- Treatment and prevention
- Conclusions

3. 1. Introduction
Importance of differential diagnosis between:
➔ Respiratory Syncytial Virus
➔ Adenovirus
➔ Rhinovirus
➔ Influenza
➔ SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)

4. Common features
Feature RSV Adenovirus Rhinovirus Influenza COVID-19
Common
symptoms
Runny nose,
decrease in
appetite, cough,
sneezing, fever,
wheezing (more
severe in infants
and young children)
Fever, sore throat,
cough, runny nose,
conjunctivitis
Sneezing, runny
nose, nasal
congestion, sore
throat, cough
Fever, cough, sore
throat, runny or
stuffy nose, body
aches, headache,
chills, fatigue,
sometimes vomiting
and diarrhea
Fever, cough,
shortness of breath,
fatigue, body aches,
headache, sore
throat, loss of taste
or smell, congestion
or runny nose,
nausea or vomiting,
diarrhea
Transmission Respiratory
droplets, close
contact,
contaminated
surfaces
Respiratory
droplets, close
contact,
contaminated
surfaces, fecal-oral
(rare)
Respiratory
droplets, close
contact,
contaminated
surfaces
Respiratory
droplets, close
contact,
contaminated
surfaces
Respiratory
droplets, close
contact,
contaminated
surfaces

5. Differentiative features
Feature RSV Adenovirus Rhinovirus Influenza COVID-19
Unique
symptoms
Rapid breathing,
wheezing, and apnea
(particularly in young
children and infants)
Conjunctivitis (pink eye),
gastrointestinal symptoms,
possible rash
Predominantly upper
respiratory symptoms,
generally milder than
other infections
Sudden onset of high
fever, severe body
aches and muscle pain,
extreme fatigue, severe
headache
Loss of taste or smell,
oxygen desaturation
without proportional
dyspnea (silent
hypoxia)
Lymphaden
opathy
Uncommon Possible/Present Uncommon Uncommon (more likely
in complications)
Uncommon
Onset of
symptoms
Gradual Gradual Gradual Sudden Gradual to sudden
Most
affected
group
Infants, young children,
elderly, and
immunocompromised
individuals
Children, but can affect
people of all ages
People of all ages, but
children and the elderly
are more susceptible
Young children, elderly,
pregnant women, and
people with chronic
health conditions or
weakened immune
systems
Elderly, people with
underlying health
conditions, and
immunocompromised
individuals
Incubation
Period
2-8 days 2-14 days 1-3 days 1-4 days 2-14 days (usually 5-6
days)

6. 1.1 Note
Although, RSV, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus, Influenza and
COVID-19 may present unique clinical picture,
symptoms tend to overlap and diagnosis based
solely on physical examination/clinical picture is hard
and often tricky.
It is important to combine physical examination
and various methods of testing (rapid tests etc.) to
increase efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis.

7. 2. Investigative
methods and
complications

8. Investigative methods
RSV Adenovirus Rhinovirus Influenza COVID-19
- Viral culture
- Rapid antigen
tests
- RT-PCR and
other
molecular
tests
- Viral culture
- PCR
- Enzyme
immunoassay
- Serology
- Viral culture
- PCR
- RT-PCR
- Serology
- Viral culture
- Rapid Influenza
Diagnostic Tests
(RIDTs)
- Rapid Molecular
Assays
- RT-PCR and
other molecular
tests
- RT-PCR test
- Rapid antigen
test
- Serology test (for
detecting
antibodies)

9. Complications of RSV infection
- Bronchiolitis: inflammation of the small airways in the lungs
- Pneumonia: inflammation and infection of the lung tissue
- Respiratory failure: severe respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation
- Apnea: temporary cessation of breathing, particularly in premature infants
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Asthma exacerbation
RSV Complications

10. Complications of Adenovirus infection
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Conjunctivitis related complications
- Severe respiratory distress
Adenovirus Complications

11. Complications of RSV infection
- Sinusitis
- Ear infections
- Exacerbation of asthma
- Lower respiratory infection
Rhinovirus Complications

12. Complications of Influenza infection
- Pneumonia: viral or bacterial infection of the lung tissue
- Bronchitis: inflammation of the bronchial tubes
- Sinus infections (sinusitis)
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Myocarditis: inflammation of the heart muscle
- Encephalitis: inflammation of the brain
- Multi-organ failure
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes
- Secondary bacterial infections
Influenza Complications

13. Complications of COVID-19 infection
- Pneumonia: inflammation and infection of the lung tissue
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): a severe lung condition causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen
levels in the blood
- Cardiovascular complications, such as heart attack, myocarditis, or heart failure
- Blood clotting disorders, leading to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke
- Acute kidney injury or kidney failure
- Liver injury
- Secondary bacterial infections
- Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C): a rare but serious condition involving multiple organ
systems in children and adolescents
- Long COVID (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection): a range of symptoms persisting for weeks or months
after the acute phase of the infection, including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and chest pain
COVID-19 Complications

14. 3. Treatment and
prevention
➔ Respiratory Syncytial Virus
➔ Adenovirus
➔ Rhinovirus
➔ Influenza
➔ SARS-CoV-2

15. Treatment:
Supportive care (hydration, fever management, nasal suctioning in infants)
In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation
For high-risk infants:
- Palivizumab (Synagis) may be given as a monthly injection during RSV season to prevent severe RSV infection.
This is not a treatment but rather a preventive measure for high-risk populations.
Prevention:
- Hand hygiene
- Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
- Disinfecting surfaces and objects
- Respiratory etiquette (covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus

16. Treatment:
Supportive care (hydration, rest, fever control with acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
Antiviral medications (e.g., cidofovir) for severe cases or immunocompromised patients
Prevention:
- Frequent handwashing
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces
- Avoid touching face
- Maintain good personal hygiene
Adenovirus Syncytial Virus

17. Treatment:
Supportive care (hydration, fever management, nasal suctioning in infants)
In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation
For high-risk infants:
- Palivizumab (Synagis) may be given as a monthly injection during RSV season to prevent severe RSV infection.
This is not a treatment but rather a preventive measure for high-risk populations.
Prevention:
- Frequent handwashing
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces
- Avoid touching face
- Maintain good personal hygiene
Rhinovirus Virus

18. Treatment:
Antiviral medications (ideally started within 48 hours of symptom onset)
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu): 75 mg twice daily for 5 days in adults; dosing varies for children based on weight
- Zanamivir (Relenza): Two inhalations (10 mg total) twice daily for 5 days for adults and children 7 years and older
- Peramivir (Rapivab): Single IV dose of 600 mg for adults; dosing varies for children based on weight
- Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza): Single oral dose for patients 12 years and older, dosing varies based on weight
- Supportive care (hydration, fever management, rest)
Prevention:
- COVID-19 vaccination
- Mask-wearing
- Hand hygiene
- Social distancing
- Good ventilation
Influenza

19. Treatment:
Treatment for COVID-19 depends on the severity of the illness and the patient's individual condition. Some
treatments include:
- Supportive care (hydration, fever management, rest)
- For mild to moderate cases, antiviral medication such as Molnupiravir may be prescribed, depending on the
patient's condition and risk factors.
- For moderate to severe cases, monoclonal antibodies or antiviral medications such as Remdesivir may be used.
Remdesivir dosage for adults and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or more: 200 mg IV on day 1, followed by 100
mg IV daily for 4-9 days.
- In severe cases, dexamethasone may be used: 6 mg once daily for up to 10 days for adults; dosing varies for
children based on weight.
- Other treatments like supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
(ECMO) may be necessary in severe cases.
Prevention:
- Annual flu vaccination
- Hand hygiene
- Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
- Respiratory etiquette (covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing)
COVID-19

20. 4. Conclusions
It’s important to differentiate RSV, Adenovirus,
Rhinovirus, Influenza and COVID-19 infections since
the treatment, prognosis and potential complications
vary.
Although those are common and usually mild
infections, tackling them in early stages as well as
proper protection/immunization may prevent severe
outcomes and unfavorable prognosis in vulnerable
populations.

21. References:
1. National Library of Medicine, 21.03.2023,
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554776/>
2. National Library of Medicine, 21.03.2023,
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459215/>
3. National Library of Medicine, 21.03.2023,
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459363/>
4. National Library of Medicine, 22.03.2023,
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3553670/>
5. National Library of Medicine, 22.03.2023,
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8503/>