Question

Students identified RSV and influenza as possible causes of Uncle Luis' lung infection. In terms of characteristics used to classify viruses, what distinguishes these two viruses?

Answer 1

RSV and influenza have different types of viruses, affect different age groups, and have varying severity of symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

In terms of characteristics used to classify viruses, there are several differences between RSV and influenza:

1. Type of virus: RSV is caused by a respiratory syncytial virus, while influenza is caused by an orthomyxovirus.
2. Range of infection: RSV primarily affects infants and young children, while influenza can affect people of all ages.
3. Symptoms and severity: RSV infections in adults resemble the common cold and tend to resolve within 1 to 2 weeks, while influenza infections can cause more severe symptoms and even lead to death in some cases.

These are some of the key differences between RSV and influenza in terms of their characteristics and impact on the respiratory system.