Acute upper respiratory infection source of infection

Acute upper respiratory infections (AURI) include the common cold, pharyngitis, epiglottitis, and
laryngotracheitis. These infections are usually benign, transitory and self-limited, although epiglottitis
and laryngotracheitis can be serious diseases in children and young infants.

Common cold

-Viruses that cause colds can spread from infected people to others through the air and close personal
contact. You can also get infected through contact with stool (poop) or respiratory secretions from an
infected person.

-Rhinovirus is the most common cause, accounting for 10 to 40 percent of colds. Other common cold
viruses include coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A cold may last for about one week, but
some colds last longer, especially in children, the elderly and those in poor health.

Pharyngitis

-It is usually caused by viral and/or bacterial infections, such as the common cold and flu (both viral
infections) or by infection with the Streptococcus bacterium (strep throat). Pharyngitis can also occur
with mononucleosis (aka “mono”), a viral infection.

Epiglottitis

-The most common cause of epiglottitis in children was infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b
(Hib) bacteria. The bacterium also causes pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections. Routine Hib
vaccination for infants has made epiglottitis rare in children. It's now more common in adults.

Laryngotracheitis

-Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a viral respiratory disease caused by Gallid herpesvirus 1 (GaHV-1).
This disease is highly contagious and spreads either by direct contact with infected birds or indirectly by
people and contaminated materials.