What Are Respiratory Infections

What Are Respiratory Infections—and Who’s Most at Risk?

Respiratory infections are illnesses that affect your lungs, throat, nose, or sinuses. They’re usually caused by viruses or bacteria and can be either upper respiratory (like a cold or sinus infection) or lower respiratory (like bronchitis or pneumonia).

Some of the most common respiratory infections include:

• The common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• COVID-19
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
  

While most people recover quickly, others—especially young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with conditions like asthma or diabetes—are more likely to have complications.

Unfortunately, Latinx communities face higher rates of hospitalization and complications from respiratory infections due to barriers in access to care, lack of paid sick leave, and underinsurance.