Influenza viruses, most notably the influenza A virus (IAV), are responsible for seasonal and pandemic outbreaks of influenza, a respiratory disease which disproportionately burdens the elderly . The Paramyxoviridae family of viruses account for another large proportion of ARIs, and includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). RSV infections burden elderly populations and are also especially frequent amongst children under 5; in individuals younger than 6 months they represent the leading cause of lower respiratory infections . Hospitalisations due to HMPV and PIV infection are most common in children from 6 to 12 months, but infections are also strongly associated with the elderly and immune compromised . Collectively, these viruses represent the major viral antagonists to the respiratory system; understanding the diverse ways these viruses interact with their hosts is critical in reducing the burden of respiratory disease caused by ARIs. However, as the majority of research into respiratory viruses focuses on IAV, CoVs and RSV, it is these viruses that are the principle focus of this review.