RT Book, Section A1 Treanor, John A2 Grippi, Michael A. A2 Elias, Jack A. A2 Fishman, Jay A. A2 Kotloff, Robert M. A2 Pack, Allan I. A2 Senior, Robert M. A2 Siegel, Mark D. SR Print(0) ID 1122369564 T1 Viral Infections of the Lung and Respiratory Tract T2 Fishman's Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders, 5e YR 2015 FD 2015 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-179672-9 LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1122369564 RD 2024/03/29 AB Viral infections of the upper and lower airways have a major impact on health. Acute respiratory illnesses, largely caused by viruses, are the most common illness experience for otherwise healthy adults and children (see Chapter 126). The National Health Interview Survey suggests that such illnesses are experienced at a rate of 85.6 illnesses per 100 persons per year, and account for 54% of all acute conditions exclusive of injuries.1 A total of 44% of these illnesses require medical attention, and result in 287 days of restricted activity, 94.4 days lost from work, and 182 days lost from school per 100 persons per year. Estimates from family-based surveillance suggest that approximately one-fourth of these illnesses result in consultation with a physician. Illness rates for all acute respiratory conditions are highest in young children; children below the age of 9 are estimated to experience between five and nine respiratory illnesses per year, whereas adults experience between three and five such illnesses.2,3