Respiratory Tract Infections are usually classified by location.
Respiratory Tract Infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Children are more likely to contract Respiratory Tract Infections since their immune system is less fully developed. They are usually transmitted through the air (droplets enter the air through sneezing and coughing, and others inadvertently breathe these in). They are also often spread when a sufferer touches surfaces after touching their nose, mouth or eyes.
Symptoms usually pass after 1-2 weeks. However, more severe complications can develop in children, older adults and those with a weakened immune system.
It is vital that you see your doctor if any of these symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks:
Colds and flu are caused by different viruses, but share some of the same symptoms. Influenza infections come on much more suddenly, are usually more severe than colds causing you to be bedridden for a few days, and have a longer duration.
Cold and flu infections are commonly spread via air bourne viruses, from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. You can reduce your chances of contracting a cold or flu by ensuring you wash your hands regularly, minimize contact with or keep your distance from infected individuals and clean shared surfaces such as door handles and phones. You can reduce the risks of spreading the infection by always coughing/sneezing into a tissue and then disposing of the tissue and washing your hands as soon possible.