Respiratory RNA viruses !
- Viruses
RNA viruses that enter through the airway: influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, rhinovirus and the rash viruses measles, rubella and mumps.
Updated 2026-11-01
What they are
This group gathers viruses from several families (orthomyxo-, paramyxo-, pneumo-, corona-, matona- and picornaviruses) acquired through droplets, aerosols or contaminated hands. Some stay in the airway (common cold, bronchiolitis, influenza); others use it as the entry door for systemic disease (measles, rubella, mumps). Several are prevented by PAI vaccines.
What they share
- Entry through the respiratory mucosa
- Most are enveloped and sensitive to soap and alcohol; rhinovirus is non-enveloped
- Different transmission precautions: airborne (measles), droplet (influenza, mumps, rubella, rhinovirus), contact (RSV)
- Seasonal peaks; in the tropics linked to the rainy seasons
Microorganisms in this group
- Influenza virusThe flu virus. It causes sudden fever, cough and muscle aches, and it changes a little every year, which is why the vaccine is repeated.Exam priority: high
- Respiratory syncytial virusA virus that causes colds in adults and bronchiolitis in babies. It is the top reason infants are admitted to hospital with a respiratory infection.Exam priority: medium
- Measles virusOne of the most contagious viruses known. It causes fever, cough, red eyes and a rash that spreads down from the face; the vaccine prevents it.Exam priority: high
- Mumps virusThe mumps virus. It swells the salivary glands, mostly the parotids, and sometimes the testes, pancreas or meninges.Exam priority: medium
- Rubella virusA virus that causes a mild rash in children but, in the first trimester of pregnancy, can badly harm the baby.Exam priority: medium
- SARS-CoV-2The coronavirus behind COVID-19. It spreads through the air, mostly indoors, and can cause anything from a cold to severe pneumonia.Exam priority: high
- RhinovirusThe most frequent cause of the common cold. It grows best in the nose, which is cooler than the rest of the body.For completeness
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which respiratory RNA virus requires airborne precautions?
Measles virus: an airborne infection isolation room and an N95 respirator for staff.
Which precaution applies to an infant admitted with RSV?
Contact precautions on top of standard ones: gown and gloves, because the virus spreads by hands and surfaces.
What do measles, mumps and rubella share in prevention?
They are prevented by the live attenuated MMR vaccine, included in the PAI.
Educational content on microorganisms; not a treatment guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Appendix A: Type and Duration of Precautions Recommended for Selected Infections and Conditions (CDC, 2024); Influenza (seasonal) (World Health Organization (WHO), 2025); Measles (World Health Organization (WHO), 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.