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The Conversation
Lara Herrero, Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, Griffith University

What happens in our body when we encounter and fight off a virus like the flu, SARS-CoV-2 or RSV?

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Respiratory viruses like influenza virus (flu), SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can make us sick by infecting our respiratory system, including the nose, upper airways and lungs.

They spread from person to person through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks and can cause death in serious cases.

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