Respiratory Viruses

Respiratory viruses are among the most common causes of illness, ranging from the common cold to more serious infections. UI Health Care providers can help you understand your symptoms, determine next steps, and provide care when it’s needed.
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Respiratory viruses infect your respiratory tract, including your nose, throat, and lungs, and are spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, talking, or touching contaminated surfaces. They are most common in winter but occur year-round, causing symptoms that range from the common cold to severe infections such as pneumonia, especially in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. 

At University of Iowa Health Care, our respiratory virus specialists — including a dedicated team of epidemiologists — continually monitor respiratory virus trends across Iowa. This helps us develop timely response plans and take proactive steps to better protect you from illness. Our monitoring includes the most common respiratory viruses, such as: 

  • Common cold (upper respiratory infection). A mild, contagious illness caused by various viruses that affect the nose and throat, leading to symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough. 
  • Influenza (flu). A contagious viral infection of the respiratory system that often causes sudden onset of fever, body aches, cough, and fatigue, and can be more severe than the common cold. 
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A common respiratory virus that usually causes cough, congestion, and fever, and can progress to serious lung infections with wheezing and difficulty breathing, especially in infants and older adults. 
  • COVID-19. A respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that can range from mild symptoms to severe disease affecting the lungs and other organs. 

Prevention and care for respiratory viruses

Our team provides comprehensive care for respiratory virus illness in patients of all ages, with seamless access to the full UI Health Care system so you can quickly connect with the right level of care when you need it. 

We also offer vaccines for both adults and children to help protect against RSV, COVID‑19, and the Flu. There is currently no vaccine for the common cold. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from disease caused by respiratory viruses. Vaccines lower your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications, while also reducing the spread of viruses in the community — especially to older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. 

Convenient access to expert care

While most people recover from respiratory viruses at home without needing a doctor’s visit, those who need additional care can rely on our experts for specialized support. We offer on‑site molecular testing as well as walk-in or telehealth visits to help you get the right care, right away. 

Respiratory virus conditions

  • Common Cold (Upper Respiratory Infection) 
  • Influenza virus (Flu) 
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) 
  • COVID-19 and other common coronaviruses 
  • Rhinovirus 
  • Enterovirus 
  • Adenovirus 
  • Human metapneumovirus 
  • Parainfluenza virus 

Respiratory virus treatments offered

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are updated each year to match circulating strains and are recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older. RSV vaccines are recommended as a one-time dose for adults 75 and older (and adults 60–74 at increased risk). During RSV season, pregnant individuals at 32–36 weeks can receive an RSV vaccine to help protect their newborn, or infants can receive RSV immunization (such as nirsevimab) directly. 

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