Viral upper respiratory infections come in every degree of
severity and cause symptoms in the ears, sinuses, throat, and
nose. This report will cover two of the most common respiratory
infections: the common cold and influenza (the flu). The Upper
Respiratory Tract Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. In the
United States the broad category of viral respiratory illness is
responsible for many school and work absenteeisms. Influenza
travels around the globe in yearly winter epidemics of varying
magnitude. Major epidemics occur every 10-15 years and may kill
upwards of 40,000 people or more in the United States. Most of
the deaths occur in the elderly and those weakened by chronic
illnesses, such as heart and respiratory diseases. The Common
Cold The common cold is characterized by nasal congestion, a
runny nose, sneezing, and perhaps a sore throat, headache, and
malaise (not feeling well). A fever is unusual. Symptoms resolve
on their own usually within 1-2 weeks. There are at least 200
known rhinoviruses r