Respiratory Viruses
Respiratory viruses can cause the common cold and influenza-like illness.
While you may be familiar with these illnesses – and have likely had them before – you may not be as familiar with all the different viruses that cause them.
For weekly surveillance updates for all respiratory viruses in Wisconsin, see the Weekly Respiratory Surveillance Report, P-02346. For interactive respiratory illness data, see the Respiratory Illness Data.
COVID-19
Learn the best ways to prevent and treat COVID-19 and what to do if you test positive.
Influenza (Flu)
Find information about flu prevention, when to seek medical advice, and data.
RSV
Read about the signs and symptoms of RSV. Learn who is most likely to get serious complications if they get sick with RSV.
Adenovirus
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that cause a range of illnesses, including common cold, fever, bronchitis, sore throat, and pink eye.
Seasonal Coronaviruses
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause mild to moderate illness.
HMPV
HMPV illnesses are mostly diagnosed in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Facilities
Find guidance for preventing and controlling acute respiratory illness outbreaks in Wisconsin long-term care facilities.
Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza viruses cause respiratory illnesses that are most common in infants and young children, though anyone can be infected.
Rhinovirus/Enterovirus
About 50% of common colds are caused by some kind of rhinovirus. Most infected people have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but some infections can be serious.
People at higher risk
Though most people will only experience mild to moderate symptoms from a respiratory virus, some people may get seriously ill or even die. Those with weakened immune systems, infants, older adults, and those with existing lung or heart conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe illness. See our People at Higher Risk webpage for more information on what it means to be part of these groups.
Resources
- Respiratory Viruses, P-03082: An informative fact sheet explaining the similarities and differences between different respiratory viruses.
- Respiratory Illnesses: What to do when you are sick, P-03663: An informative fact sheet explaining what you should do when you are sick with a respiratory virus.
- Respiratory Illness Vaccine Promotion Toolkits: Toolkits for health care providers (Word), local and Tribal health departments (Word), people who are pregnant (Word), and K-12 schools and early care and education programs (Word) regarding the importance and promotion of respiratory illness vaccination.
- Wash Your Hands!, P-01710: Flyer with instructions on how to properly wash hands.
- Is it the flu, a cold, or whooping cough?,P-02263 (PDF): Flyer outlining the differences between the flu, a cold, and whooping cough.
Resources can be ordered for free. Here's how:
- Download the Microsoft Word document F-80025A (Word) this form can be used to order multiple forms/publications.
- Complete the form by tabbing through the input fields, not by using the return or enter key.
- Email the completed form to the DHS forms manager at dhsfmorder@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
- If you have questions about ordering forms or publications, please email the DHS forms manager at dhsfmorder@dhs.wisconsin.gov or call 608-267-9054.
Questions about respiratory viruses? Contact us!
Phone: 608-267-9003 | Fax: 608-261-4976