HUMAN RHINOVIRUS

Human rhinovirus is the predominant cause of the common cold and the most common viral infectious agent in humans. It can be spread through direct person-to-person contact or by aerosols of respiratory droplets and from fomites.

Symptoms of human rhinovirus may include:

  • Sore Throat
  • Runny Nose
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Sneezing and Cough

Other symptoms may include:

  • Muscle Aches
  • Fatigue
  • Malaise
  • Headache
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Loss of Appetite

Fever and extreme exhaustion are more usual in influenza. Children may have six to twelve colds a year.

DIAGNOSIS

The doctor will basically examine your symptoms. It is generally impractical to have some laboratory tests since most colds go away on their own without complications.

 

TREATMENT

Most treatment approaches involve supportive measures for symptoms of respiratory illness, such as:

  • Washing hands
  • Obtaining rest and plenty of fluids
  • Positioning the mattress at a 45° angle
  • Using decongestants (see Pharmacologic Therapy)
  • Discontinuing smoking or using alcohol
  • Using phenol-alcohol–based compounds to disinfect the environment
  • Using nasal saline drops with bulb-syringe nostril aspiration (this can help infants with congestion and obstruction)
  • Providing comfortable surrounding temperature and adequate humidity (this soothes irritated nasopharyngeal mucosae and helps eliminate nasal secretions by preventing dryness)

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