For the past 3 months there have been some stubborn infections that linger both in the person coughing as well as contacts with the patient who are unknowingly carrying the infection.  Some infections such as walking pneumonia have as long as a 3 week incubation period.  That means a person can carry the infection but will only show signs of the infection 3 weeks later.  Here’s an overview of the typical sounds and characteristics of coughs associated with what is circulating currently- Moraxella catarrhalis, Walking Pneumonia, Parainfluenza, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and Rhinovirus:

  1. Moraxella Catarrhalis
  • Type of Cough: Persistent, productive (wet) cough.
    • Often associated with the production of thick mucus.
  • Characteristics:
    • May sound “chesty” due to mucus in the airways.
    • Can include wheezing in younger children or individuals with underlying respiratory conditions.
    • Frequently accompanies chronic bronchitis or otitis media in children.
  1. Walking Pneumonia (Mycoplasma Pneumoniae)
  • Type of Cough:
    • Dry, hacking cough is most common.
    • Can become progressively more productive over time.
  • Characteristics:
    • Persistent and lingering, especially at night.
    • Often sounds “tickling” or “irritating” without heavy mucus production initially.
    • Accompanied by fatigue, mild chest pain, and other subtle symptoms like low fever.
  1. Parainfluenza Virus
  • Type of Cough:
    • “Barking” or seal-like cough, particularly in children (associated with croup).
    • May be harsh and dry or turn wet as the infection progresses.
  • Characteristics:
    • Stridor (high-pitched sound during inhalation) may accompany the cough in severe cases.
    • Typically worse at night and may improve with moist air or steam.
  1. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
  • Type of Cough:
    • Wet, congested-sounding cough.
    • Sometimes accompanied by wheezing or crackling sounds.
  • Characteristics:
    • Often associated with labored breathing, especially in infants or young children.
    • May worsen after several days and include audible rattling in the chest.
  1. Rhinovirus (Common Cold)
  • Type of Cough:
    • Mild, dry cough transitioning to wet as mucus builds up.
    • Often postnasal drip is the primary cause.
  • Characteristics:
    • Usually intermittent and less severe compared to other viral infections.
    • Accompanied by other classic cold symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and mild sore throat