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 (Opens in new tab).

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.

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.

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms.

Lab tests are not needed to diagnose rhinovirus.

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

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.

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

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.

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.