Respiratory infections

Respiratory tract infections represent some of the most commonly seen conditions in primary care. Although the majority of upper respiratory infections are self-limiting in nature, many patients still present to their doctor, often seeking relief from symptoms such as persistent pain from a sore throat.

Lower respiratory tract infections, defined in the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and the leading cause of death among children younger than 5 years.

For patients with COPD or asthma,  respiratory tract infections can make symptoms much worse and more difficult to control. They can also result in exacerbations which are a major cause of morbidity, need for acute care and, rarely, death.

IPCRG works with clinicians and researchers to improve accurate diagnosis and management of respiratory infections and increased availability and update of pneumococcal vaccine and influenza (flu) vaccines.