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[Microbiology](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/) · [Viruses](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/#d-virus)

# 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

## Key points

- Measles = airborne precautions with an N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room
- Influenza, mumps and rubella = droplet precautions; RSV = contact
- Paramyxoviruses (measles, mumps) and pneumoviruses (RSV) carry an F protein that forms syncytia
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) is a live attenuated PAI vaccine
- RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants

## Microorganisms in this group

- [**Influenza virus** The 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](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/influenza-virus/)
- [**Respiratory syncytial virus** A 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](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/respiratory-syncytial-virus/)
- [**Measles virus** One 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](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/measles-virus/)
- [**Mumps virus** The mumps virus. It swells the salivary glands, mostly the parotids, and sometimes the testes, pancreas or meninges. Exam priority: medium](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/mumps-virus/)
- [**Rubella virus** A virus that causes a mild rash in children but, in the first trimester of pregnancy, can badly harm the baby. Exam priority: medium](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/rubella-virus/)
- [**SARS-CoV-2** The coronavirus behind COVID-19. It spreads through the air, mostly indoors, and can cause anything from a cold to severe pneumonia. Exam priority: high](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/sars-cov-2/)
- [**Rhinovirus** The most frequent cause of the common cold. It grows best in the nose, which is cooler than the rest of the body. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/rhinovirus/)

## 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.

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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](https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/isolation-precautions/appendix-a-type-duration.html) (CDC, 2024); [Influenza (seasonal)](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)) (World Health Organization (WHO), 2025); [Measles](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles) (World Health Organization (WHO), 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/groups/respiratory-rna-viruses/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/groups/respiratory-rna-viruses/