The rhinovirus is the number one virus for causing acute rhinitis, aka common cold. Coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus are also high on the list as prime instigators of the over 200 viruses that cause this type of upper respiratory infection.
Because of the number and the cold causing viruses ability to mutate, there isn’t a vaccine to prevent you from catching acute rhinitis. However, you can be vaccinated for seasonal influenza.
Rhinovirus is contagious and it tends to be most prevalent in the early fall and late spring. This virus replicates best at temperature inside your nose. So, many of rhino virus symptoms are some of those caused by an upper respiratory infection, like:
Fever is usually minimal, if at all. And you can expect your rhino virus caused nasal discharge to only last for a couple of days.
Rarely does a rhinovirus infection develop into a more serious respiratory infection. It’s those other common cold viruses that more often lead to severe lower respiratory infections, such as parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus. Yet, bronchiolitis, asthma exacerbation and pneumonia can occur in young children.
Your body’s immune system is the only cure for rhino virus caused common cold. The best you can do is provide your body with plenty of rest and fluids in support of the battle and alleviate its symptoms via:
- humidifier
- analgesics
- saline sprays
- antihistamines
- nasal decongestants
- cough drops, cough syrups
- throat lozenges, throat sprays
High doses of vitamin C and hot liquids can help alleviate symptoms as well.
Never give aspirin or aspirin containing drugs to a child because of the Reye’s syndrome risk. Also, antibiotics doesn’t treat this virus causing upper respiratory infection because they’re only effective against bacteria.
Generally a rhino virus infection can be treated at home. But get with your health care provider if you develop:
- chills
- stiff neck
- chest pain
- severe headache
- nausea & vomiting
- breathing difficulty
- high fever above 102 F
A sore throat and a fever with no other common cold symptoms may indicate strep throat. Or yellow or green nasal drainage with a fever may be caused by a bacterial sinus infection. Thus, these symptoms dictate at least a call to your doctor.
