Respiratory tract infections are common. They can affect the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat sinuses) or the lower respiratory tract (lungs and airways). Lower tract infections are more serious and can include flu, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Overview
What is a respiratory virus?
It’s a virus that affects the respiratory system (i.e. the parts of the body that aid breathing). This test screens for more serious lower respiratory system infections.
What are the symptoms of a respiratory system infection?
A phlegmy cough is most common. You may also have a tightness of chest or difficulty breathing.
What conditions are classed as respiratory system infections?
Infections of the lower respiratory tract can include flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, croup and TB.
How do I get tested?
Book a simple blood test now.
Did You Know?
The most common respiratory virus of all is the common cold.
What are respiratory viruses?
Respiratory viruses affect either the upper or lower respiratory tract. Upper respiratory tract infections tend to be less severe. They affect the nose, throat and sinuses and include colds, flu, laryngitis and tonsillitis.
Lower respiratory tract infections affect the lungs and airways. They include conditions such as flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and (in infants) croup.
These infections can be (although are not always) serious. In infants, croup can be life threatening. Flu and pneumonia can prove fatal. And Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome, caused by a respiratory virus called an adenovirus, may be rare, but is frequently fatal.
Symptoms of respiratory viruses
Infections of the lower respiratory tract typically result in a phlegmy cough. You may also feel breathless and wheezy and experience a tightness across the chest.
How can I catch a respiratory virus?
Respiratory viruses are spread in droplets either sneezed or coughed into the air or transferred from hands to eyes or mouth. Washing hands frequently can help reduce the likelihood of contracting a respiratory virus.
How do I treat a respiratory virus?
Like all viruses, ‘treatment’ is more about alleviating symptoms rather than curing the condition. Most mild respiratory tract infections will subside on their own after 2-5 days. If symptoms last longer or appear to be worsening, seek medical help.
How can this test help me?
Respiratory tract infections can be particularly severe in young children or in those with impaired immune systems. It can, however, be difficult to distinguish between some infections, so this test can give you certainty as to the condition you or your child is facing.
What does this test check for?
This test screens for the following respiratory viruses:
- Influenza A CFT
- Influenza B CFT
- Adenovirus CFT
- Parainfluenza mix CFT
- RSV CFT
How do I get tested?
One simple blood test will quickly indicate whether you have a respiratory virus.
To get tested please contact Better2Know your Body on the number above or click book now.