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Influenza Viruses
Parainfluenza Viruses
Adenoviruses
Rhinoviruses
Coronaviruses
Most infants are infected in the first two years of life; 1% of all infants are hospitalized for RSV
Primary infection is associated with lower respiratory tract disease
Repeated infections are common through life and become progressively less severe, affecting only the upper respiratory tract
Nosocomial infection is common
Spread through contaminated secretions is more important than airborne spread
Viral shedding occurs for 1-3 weeks
Inoculation of eyes and nose is more efficient than inoculation of the mouth
Group A viruses may cause more severe disease than group B viruses
Incubation period is 5 days