The present invention relates to methods of detection, as well as assays, reagents and kits for the specific detection of 15 clinically important respiratory viruses including influenza A and B viruses, human respiratory syncytial viruses, human metapneumoviruses, human enteroviruses, all serotypes of rhinoviruses, 7 serotypes of adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses types 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as coronaviruses NL, 229E, OC43, and SARS-CoV. The present invention allows for the detection of each of these respiratory viruses in a single assay.