Rhinovirus
8-minute read
Key facts
- Rhinovirus is one of the most common causes of the common cold.
- It's spread through sneezing, coughing or physical contact.
- Rhinovirus usually causes very mild cold or flu-like symptoms.
- There's no cure for rhinovirus, but it can be treated with over-the-counter medicines.
- Good hygiene practices can stop the spread of rhinovirus.
What is rhinovirus?
Rhinovirus is a virus. It's one of the most common causes of the common cold in children and adults.
Young children can get a cold up to 12 times a year. Most adults will get a cold up to 4 times a year.
For more information on colds in children, read the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby article Colds and flu in babies and children.
What are the symptoms of rhinovirus?
Normally, rhinovirus causes mild cold or flu-like symptoms that include:
- runny or blocked nose
- sneezing
- coughing
- sore throat and ears
- feeling unwell
- headache
- fever — a temperature over 38°C
Normally, your symptoms will only last a few days. Most people feel better after 7 to 10 days.
Young children may have a green or yellow discharge from the nose (snot) when sick with rhinovirus.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes rhinovirus?
Rhinovirus is spread from person to person.
When you have rhinovirus, you release small droplets containing the virus into the air when you:
- talk
- sneeze
- cough
These droplets can be breathed in by people nearby. The virus can then infect them.
The virus is also spread through:
- shaking hands
- touching objects that were sneezed or coughed on by someone with rhinovirus
Newborn babies are protected from rhinovirus for their first 6 months of life. This is because they have antibodies from their mother.
After this time, babies and young children have a high chance of getting a cold because they:
- don't have a strong immune system
- are often around other children and adults
Colds spread easily in daycare centres and schools because children often don't practise good hygiene.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have a baby under 3 months old with a fever above 38°C, take them to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
If your child has difficulty breathing, is pale or hard to wake, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Normally, you don't need to see a doctor for a common cold. But you should see a doctor if you have:
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- chest tightness for over 10 minutes
- confusion
- severe sore throat, headache or sinus pain
- problems keeping fluids down because of vomiting
- dehydration or feel dizzy when standing up
You should also see a doctor if you're concerned about your symptoms, or your symptoms are getting worse.
You should take your child to see a doctor if your child is not getting better after 2 days, is getting worse or has any of the following symptoms:
- a fever that lasts more than 2 days in a child of any age
- vomiting often
- refusing to drink
- a rash
- a stiff neck or light hurts their eye
- ongoing cough
- severe sore throat or headache
- less than half the usual number of wet nappies
- you're worried
Some people have a greater chance of severe illness from rhinovirus, such as:
- people aged over 60 years
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 35 years
- pregnant females
- people with a weak immune system
- people living with a disability — especially those that affect your lungs, heart or immune system
- people living in aged care
- older people with other health conditions
If you are in a high-risk group, speak to your doctor about what to do if you get rhinovirus.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is rhinovirus diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms.
Lab tests are not needed to diagnose rhinovirus.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is rhinovirus treated?
There's no specific medicine to cure rhinovirus, but you may want to try:
- sucking on a throat lozenge to soothe your sore throat
- drinking a warm drink with honey and lemon
- gargling with salt water
Medicines for rhinovirus
You can treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medicines.
You can take paracetamol for fever and mild pain.
Nasal decongestants can be used to help with a blocked nose. These should only be used by adults.
Read more about medicines for colds and flu.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.
LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand name or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.
What are the complications of rhinovirus?
Rhinovirus normally causes mild symptoms, but you can get very unwell from an infection.
Complications from rhinovirus include:
- acute sinusitis — sinus infection and swelling
- asthma
- bronchiolitis — swelling of the small airways in your lungs
- bronchitis — swelling and congestion of the large airways in your lungs
- croup — swelling in your trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box)
- laryngitis — a hoarse voice
- otitis media — an ear infection
- pneumonia — a lung infection and swelling
Can rhinovirus be prevented?
The spread of rhinovirus can be prevented. You can protect yourself and your family by following these simple steps:
- wearing a face mask
- regularly washing your hands with soap
- covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
- not sharing items with someone who is sick
- staying at home if you're unwell
The rhinovirus can live on surfaces for days. Make sure to wipe down commonly used objects and surfaces using a disinfectant or detergent.
Resources and support
Learn more about colds and flu.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.