How can infection with common viral respiratory diseases be prevented?
Good personal hygiene, such as covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing, sanitary disposal of discharges from mouth and nose, and frequent hand-washing will help prevent transmission. Vaccines for influenza are developed each year in accordance to the three predominant subtypes anticipated. It is difficult to construct a vaccine for a constantly changing virus. Currently available vaccines do, however, significantly reduce the risk of influenza infection and are specifically recommended each year for persons who are at greatest risk for life threatening complications (the elderly and all persons with chronic underlying health conditions of the heart, lungs, or kidneys). Adenovirus vaccines are effective against some types of adenoviruses. Because of the major disruption and economic impact of epidemics in military recruits, vaccines are targeted at this group but are not recommended for the general population.
