How Serious Is the Rhinovirus?

• Rhinoviruses are found in nasal secretions for five to seven days, but may persist as long as two to three weeks in the upper part of the throat behind the nose (nasopharynx).  
• The virus is transmitted from person-to-person when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, by close personal contact with an infected person, and by touching contaminated surfaces and objects. The virus is able to survive on surfaces for several hours.

• A diagnosis of rhinovirus infection is usually made clinically, based on signs and symptoms. This is because a specific diagnosis of a rhinovirus infection requires use of culture methods that take several days to yield results, which would thus not be available during the acute phase of the infection. 
• Blood tests are generally not used because there are so many different types of rhinoviruses.

Treatment for rhinovirus infection is aimed at relief of symptoms, and home care is often all that is needed. Treatment for rhinovirus infection may include: 

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer
• Use saline nasal spray or drops
• Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower
• Suck on lozenges (do not give lozenges to young children as they can be a choking hazard)
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for relief of symptoms 
  • Pain relievers and fever reducers such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
    • Don’t give aspirin to children because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness 
  • Cough and cold medicines
  • Antihistamines
• Some supplements have been reported helps speed recovery from the common cold, but studies have failed to provide evidence of benefit
  • Supplements include zinc lozenges, echinacea, and high-dose vitamin C

People with weakened immune systems, asthma, or respiratory conditions may be more prone to serious illness and complications of rhinovirus infections, such as: 

• Middle ear infection (otitis media)
• Sinus infection (sinusitis)
• Exacerbations of asthma and other lung diseases

To help prevent rhinovirus infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay away from people who are sick
• Stay home if you are sick 
• Move away from people before coughing or sneezing
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue then throw it away immediately, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs, mobile phones, and toys