8.1 Respiratory tract disease

 

Virus induced respiratory infections kill about millions of humans and children worldwide each year. Most viruses that infect only the upper and lower respiratory tract do not induce a strong immune response and therefore chances of reinfection with the similar or same strain is very common. On an average children get about 6 colds a year and adults 2-3.

 

Rhinitis (Common Cold) – Common signs and symptoms include nasal discharge and obstruction, sneezing, coughing, and mild sore throat.

 

Pharyngitis (mostly viral)- Common signs are sore throat, malaise, fever, and cough. RSV and adenovirus are the predominant causes in young children while Herpes viruses in young adults.

 

Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup)- Common symptoms include fever, cough, respiratory distress, sometimes laryngeal obstruction. Most common causes are influenza and parainfluenza virus.

 

Bronchiolitis - Common signs and symptoms includes rapid and labored breathing, persistent cough, wheezing, cyanosis, atelectasis (Lung collapse), and emphysema. Major causes are Influenza, parainfluenza, and RSV.

 

Pneumonia - usually develops following upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing. RSV, Influenza, parainfluenza, and adenoviruses are the major causes. It is a major cause of death to older people and young children. RSV is the major cause of death in young ones.

 

8.2 Gastrointestinal tract disease

 

It involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines leading to watery diarrhea. Fever and vomiting are common with some viral gastroenteritis. Diarrheal diseases kill 2 million children each year mostly in developing countries. Rotaviruses are the main cause of deaths. Astroviruses and Caliciviruses (Norwalk virus) can also cause diarrhea.