Respiratory viruses in a residential nursery

A longitudinal survey of respiratory illness in a Sheffield residential nursery is described. Over 8 months, outbreaks of respiratory illness occurred, two of which were associated with infection by Influenza A and Parainfluenza 3 viruses. The symptomatology is described of the illnesses resulting from these infections. The incidence of adenovirus recoveries over the same period was also investigated and suggests that adenoviruses of Types 1, 2 and 5 may be components of the normal viral flora of the nasopharynx in infants.