Final answer:
An EMT might consider the presence of a fever, in addition to respiratory distress, as an indicator of a viral infection affecting the respiratory system. Other symptoms such as rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and associated rashes from diseases like measles, rubella, and chickenpox can also be indicative.
Step-by-step explanation:
An EMT might suspect that a patient has a viral infection affecting the respiratory system if, besides respiratory distress, the patient presents with certain symptoms. For example, a fever is commonly associated with viral infections. Children may show signs like fever, chills, and a pustular rash which can burst and form crusty scabs, while adults tend to have more severe symptoms, such as pneumonia. Furthermore, specific viral respiratory diseases can manifest as skin rashes, such as measles, rubella, and chickenpox. It is important to note that many respiratory viruses are self-limiting and only a few can have serious or fatal complications.
Viral respiratory infections can also lead to various inflammations, such as rhinitis (common cold), sinusitis (sinuses), pharyngitis (throat), and laryngitis (larynx). These conditions may be accompanied by additional symptoms inclusive of a sore throat, nasal congestion, voice loss, and potential rash, which would help an EMT in the diagnostic process.