Rhinovirus infections
Rhinovirus infections are viral illnesses primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract, commonly recognized as the common cold. Caused by small viruses from the Picornaviridae family, there are approximately one hundred different types of rhinoviruses. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or respiratory droplets from sneezes and coughs, making it highly contagious. Children and infants are particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems and frequent close contact in communal settings. Symptoms typically manifest two to three days post-exposure and can include runny nose, sore throat, cough, mild fever, and general discomfort, though more severe symptoms can arise. While no specific screening tests exist, diagnosis relies on symptom presentation and exposure history. Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief, including rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications, with an emphasis on careful use, especially in children. Preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and maintaining clean shared spaces.
Rhinovirus infections
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Lungs, nose, throat, upper respiratory tract
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Common cold
Definition
A rhinovirus infection is a viral infection that usually affects the nose and throat. In rare cases, a rhinovirus infection is seen in croup and pneumonia, and it may contribute to asthma conditions. Rhinovirus infection is commonly referred to as a common cold.
Causes
Rhinovirus infections are caused by small viruses belonging to the Picornaviridae family. Approximately one hundred types of rhinoviruses have been identified. Exposure to the virus by direct contact with an infected person or with an infected shared object (fomite), or exposure through contact with droplets from the sneeze or cough of an infected person, can cause rhinovirus infection. The rhinovirus is highly contagious.
Risk Factors
Exposure to a person infected with the rhinovirus causes the infection, but several risk factors may increase a person’s chance of becoming ill. Children and infants are more at risk because their immune systems have not yet developed resistance to most viruses. Hygiene plays a role in disease transmission, and children are less likely to wash their hands carefully. Although children are taught to cough into their arms, forgetting to do so, and sharing toys or other items, may lead to infection. Any time the immune system is weakened, infection with the rhinovirus is more likely to occur. Rhinovirus infections are more common when people spend time indoors, such as in the fall and winter, because of close contact with others.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of infection with the rhinovirus usually occur two to three days after exposure to the virus. Runny nose, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, mild fever, cough, and a general feeling of uncomfortableness are the most common symptoms of a cold. Severe symptoms include swollen glands, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, difficulty breathing, excessive fatigue or sleepiness, ear pain, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and severe headache. Persistent crying may occur in children. When symptoms are severe or last more than one week, or if one has difficulty breathing or is unable to drink adequate fluids, a physician should be consulted.
Screening and Diagnosis
There are no screening tests for rhinovirus infection. Diagnosis is based on reported contact with an infected person and signs and symptoms. Rhinovirus infection may not require a visit to a doctor unless symptoms increase in severity.
Treatment and Therapy
The most common treatment for rhinovirus infection includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and the careful use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or cold medicines. All OTCs have side effect risks that should be considered. Children should not be given cough and cold medicines unless directed by a physician. Decongestant nasal sprays should be used on a limited basis in adults and should not be used in children. Saline drops and a suction bulb may be used in infants and children to clear a stuffy nose. Chicken soup has been shown in scientific studies to help relieve cold (and flu) symptoms. There is no cure for the common cold, and antibiotics are not used unless a bacterial infection develops during the course of the disease.
Prevention and Outcomes
To help prevent infection with the rhinovirus, one should avoid contact with persons who have a cold and should practice good hygiene by washing hands carefully and frequently, especially when in public places. One should not share personal items with persons who have a cold and should keep shared areas clean. Finally, one should sneeze and cough into tissues to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Bibliography
"About Rhinoviruses." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Apr. 2024, www.cdc.gov/rhinoviruses/about/index.html#. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
Eccles, Ronald, and Olaf Weber, eds. Common Cold. Boston: Birkhäuser, 2009.
Pappas, D. E., et al. “Symptom Profile of Common Colds in School-Aged Children.” Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 27 (2008): 8-11.
Schaffer, Kirsten, Alberto M. LaRosa, and Estella Whimbey. “Respiratory Viruses.” In Cohen and Powderly Infectious Diseases, edited by Jonathan Cohen, Steven M. Opal, and William G. Powderly. 3d ed. Philadelphia: Mosby/Elsevier, 2010.
Shors, Teri. Understanding Viruses. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett, 2008.