About respiratory illness

Respiratory illness is caused by viruses or bacteria that affect the airway and lungs. Respiratory illness can be spread by coughing, sneezing or face-to-face contact.

Symptoms of a respiratory illness include cough, runny or stuffy nose and sore throat. These symptoms may be caused by one of the following:

• COVID-19
• Influenza (flu)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Rhinovirus and other viruses that cause the common cold

You can protect yourself from some respiratory illnesses by staying up to date with your vaccines. Learn more about getting immunized against respiratory illness.