Respiratory illness is a major cause of unplanned hospitalizations for individuals with developmental disabilities.  While people can get a respiratory illness any time, they are more likely to get one in the fall or winter months.  The tools below will help you recognize the signs and symptoms of respiratory illness, as well as how to prevent respiratory illnesses.

Slide Show:  Understanding Respiratory Illness:  Respiratory illness is a major cause of unplanned hospitalizations.  It's important for you to help people stay healthy, as well as stay healthy yourself!  Some common respiratory illnesses include the cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, and aspiration pneumonia.  

Article:  Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Respiratory Illness:  This article describes how to recognize, treat, and prevent respiratory illness, including tips for avoiding colds and flu.  It includes descriptions of the most common respiratory illnesses:  colds, flu, pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, and bronchitis.

Slide Show:  Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Pneumonia:  This slide show discusses how to recognize, treat, and prevent pneumonia.  Pneumonia is a common illness anyone can develop, but some people are at greater risk.

Tool:  Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Illness:  This article discusses the signs and symptoms of respiratory illness.  Be sure to follow the directions on what to do if the individual you support develops signs or symptoms of respiratory illness.

Article:  Preventing Aspiration and Aspiration Pneumonia:  Aspiration occurs when food or fluids that should go into the stomach goes into the lungs instead.  This article discusses who is at risk for aspiration pneumonia, how to reduce risk, and offers help on how to administer food to an individual who may be at risk for aspiration.