INFLUENZA VIRUSES (subtype A & B)
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Is the most commonly respiratory infection causing virus. Most people do not seek medical attention as they are relieved of their cold-like symptoms within a week. However, Influenza can cause serious illnesses and can lead to even death in people that are very young or very old, pregnant, health-care employees, and those with serious medical conditions amongst high-risk groups.
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RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV)
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RSV is the leading cause of respiratory tract infections in children. Early diagnosis of influenza and RSV can help hospitalize patients with strong clinical findings and can be verified with RT-PCR of negative samples when in doubt. Early infection control measures need to be taken to prevent complications of such diseases.
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METAPNEUMOVIRUS
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It is a relative of RSV, and can cause respiratory tract infections in both children and adults.
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HUMAN RINOVIRUS AND CORONAVIRUSES (SARS-CoV-2)
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These pathogens can cause symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue. Rhinovirus and coronavirus infections are commonly seen as they have many subtypes. The vast majority of the infections caused are mild, however can cause severe resporiatory tract infections in immunosuppressed hosts.
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HUMAN PARAINFLUENZA VIRUSES (1-4)
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Is seen mainly in autumn and affects children mostly, causing mild symptoms such as; fever, runny nose, and cough. Parainfluenza affecting the elderly or immunocompromised adults can cause severe lower respiratory tract diseases such as croup or pneumonia.
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ADENOVIRUSES
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Can cause a wide range of symptoms such as, cold-like symptoms (i.e. sore throat), pneumonia, conjuctivitis, and diarrhea. Adenoviruses can cause severe illnesses in immunocompromised individuals.
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