
Rhinovirus infection, which is more common during spring and fall, is likely to cause only mild symptoms, with the virus being by far the predominant cause of the common cold, especially in children.
Human rhinoviruses are highly contagious. However, they rarely lead to serious complications. The most common complications include:
- Otitis media (inflammation or infection of the middle ear)
- Sinusitis
- Chronic bronchitis
Rhinovirus is more likely to cause severe lung infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, only in babies and children who were born premature or have heart disease or asthma.
Rhinovirus infections are often life-threatening among high-risk people with cancer. In a study conducted on 22 blood and marrow transplant recipients with impaired immune systems and who were hospitalized with rhinovirus infections, 32 percent (or seven) of the patients developed deadly pneumonia. The remaining patients had infections that did not progress beyond the upper respiratory tract.
How does rhinovirus spread?
Rhinovirus is spread through the air in the form of droplets in the following ways:
Rhinovirus can survive on surfaces for many hours, which increases its chances of spread.
What are the signs and symptoms of rhinovirus infection?
Rhinovirus infection typically lasts for 7 to 11 days but may persist for longer with these signs and symptoms:
- Nasal dryness or irritation
- Sore throat
- Nasal discharge
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Facial and ear pressure
- Loss of sense of smell and taste
- Cough
- Hoarseness of voice
- Vomiting
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Fever (typically low grade when present)
How long does it take to recover from rhinovirus infection?
Adults usually recover within seven days of rhinovirus infection, whereas children take longer, typically 10 to 14 days. Occasionally, children may have a cough that lasts for two to three weeks.
What is the treatment of rhinovirus infection?
Rhinovirus infections are usually mild and go away on their own. Treatment aims to provide relief from symptoms while practicing good hygiene prevents spreading the infection. Therapy for infected adults may include:
- Rest: Adequate rest and sleep give the body ample time to recover from rhinovirus infections.
- Hydration: Regardless of age, when you have a cold and cough, it is important to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. This helps clear excess mucus in the sinuses.
- First-generation antihistamines
- Brompheniramine
- Chlorpheniramine
- Dimenhydrinate
- Diphenhydramine
- Nasal decongestants
- Oxymetazoline
- Phenylephrine
- Pseudoephedrine
If your baby is suffering from a cold, here is what you should do (apart from rest and hydration):
- Saline nasal spray:
- Using nasal saline spray helps clear off the mucus from the nasal passages.
- Increase humidity:
- Using a cool-mist humidifier and keeping it near the baby’s bed will humidify the environment, which in turn will keep the baby’s nasal passages moist.
- Use cotton swabs or tissue papers:
- Always keep cotton swabs (especially wet) or tissue papers handy to wipe sticky mucus that blocks your baby’s nostrils.
- Chicken soup:
- Studies have reported that chicken soup contains ingredients that help thin the mucus and relieve congestion. Soups and broths not only keep your child hydrated but also replenish them with nutrients.
- Additionally, the warmth of the soup can be soothing, especially for the flu, a cold, and a cough.
- Sleeping in a comfortable position:
- Nose congestion often aggravates at night, and sleeping in a lying position might worsen it. Grab a pillow and elevate your baby’s head a bit higher to allow the draining of the mucus from the nose into their throat.
- Do not use cold medicines:
- Although you may want to give your child over-the-counter cold medicines, there’s little or no evidence to support that they work. Moreover, they can cause irritability and irregular heartbeats, particularly in infants. Hence, pediatricians do not recommend them for kids younger than four years of age.
- Apply petroleum jelly on the outer sides of the nose if your child’s nostrils become dry.
The aforementioned measures help relieve a congested nose for most babies. However, if you see that your child is not getting better and their breathing difficulty is worsening, seek urgent medical help.

QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See AnswerGreenberg SB. Respiratory consequences of rhinovirus infection. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Feb 10;163(3):278-284.
Top How Serious Is a Rhinovirus Infection Related Articles
Cold & Flu Quiz
Aches? Pain? Fever? This Cold & Flu Quiz tests your knowledge on the difference between coming down with the common cold and sickness from influenza virus.Common Cold
The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and maybe a fever. Antibiotics have no effect upon the common cold, and there is no evidence that zinc and vitamin C are effective treatments.Common Cold Quiz
Take this quiz to learn the truth behind the infectious, contagious, uncomfortable disease known as the common cold. Test your knowledge of colds; get prevention tips, and learn what you may want to avoid when treating a cold!Common Cold: Early Signs and 4 Stages
The common cold or viral rhinitis is an upper respiratory infection caused by several types of viruses. It is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting humans. A common cold may typically follow a certain pattern of progression that has four different stages.Coronavirus COVID-19 Prevention: Test Your Medical IQ
What's really the best way to prevent the spread of new coronavirus COVID-19? Should wear a mask or not? Take this quiz to find out!Coronavirus: How COVID-19 Affects Your Body
By now, everyone knows about COVID-19. But do you know how it can affect your body?Do Face Masks Offer Protection From the New Coronavirus?
In 2019, a new coronavirus strain named COVID-19 (or 2019-nCoV) began causing severe respiratory illness and sometimes fatal pneumonia throughout the world. This new coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China. The new coronavirus spreads rapidly via the inhalation of respiratory droplets from infected people. Face masks cannot prevent airborne virus protection, they're difficult to wear for long stretches of time, and you must dispose of the mask after touching it.Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
A middle ear infection (otitis media) can cause earache, temporary hearing loss, and pus drainage from the ear. It is most common in babies, toddlers, and young children. Learn about causes and treatment.How Can I Get Rid of a Virus Fast?
Any seasonal change invites viral infections. Children, old people, and those with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to various kinds of viral illnesses. Viral infection may last for only 1-2 weeks. However, the symptoms may interrupt your daily routine making you want to get rid of the virus immediately.How Do Doctors Test for Flu?
Your doctor may test for the flu using rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs), which can detect influenza viral antigens in respiratory specimens. Other tests include the immunofluorescence antibody test, viral culture and RT-PCR test.How Do You Know if You Have Bronchitis or COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
What is the difference between bronchitis and COVID-19 (Coronavirus)? Learn how to recognize the symptoms of bronchitis and COVID-19 to help you treat either illness. Bronchitis or “chest cold” refers to the inflammation of the airways (bronchial tubes) in the lungs. Air passes through the lungs within a network of tubules called bronchial tubes. Bronchitis is often associated with persistent, nagging coughs with mucus. Learn more about when a cold becomes bronchitis.Mono (Infectious Mononucleosis)
Infectious mononucleosis is a virus infection in which there is an increase of white blood cells that are mononuclear (with a single nucleus) "Mono" and "kissing disease" are popular terms for this very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).Flu (Influenza)
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu may be prevented with an annual influenza vaccination.Influenza Virus Picture
The flu is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract which are divided into three types, designated A, B, and C. See a picture of Influenza Virus and learn more about the health topic.Sinus Infection Dos and Don'ts
Is it OK to fly when you've got sinusitis? How about going to work? WebMD helps you decide what's right and wrong when you're all stuffed up.Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
Sinus infection (sinusitis) is caused by allergies, infection, and chemicals or other irritants of sinuses. Signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.Sinusitis Slideshow
Sinus infection (sinusitis) symptoms can include headaches, a sore throat, and toothaches. Antibiotics and home remedies can relieve sinus infection symptoms.Cold and Flu: What Doctors Do to Boost Their Immune Systems
How can you make your immune system stronger? Why not try what the pros try?