[Flu virus and respiratory virus infections]

In general, respiratory infections are benign and self-limiting, but occasionally they can cause severe symptoms and become a major cause of mortality and morbidity, especially in the more vulnerable population groups. Flu epidemics occur annually, and there can be pandemics every few years, such as those caused by types H1N1 or H3N2. The main clinical manifestations are respiratory symptoms associated with fever, and complications such as pneumonia can arise. Nasopharyngeal swab and RT-PCR should be performed to confirm the diagnosis, which can yield results for other viruses as well. Treatment is generally symptomatic, reserving neuraminidase inhibitors for the more serious cases. The best preventive measure is annual vaccination of the population at risk. The coronavirus is also particularly relevant, due to its potential prognostic implications, and the respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus should be borne in mind in children.