Rhinovirus
Rhinovirus
Rhinovirus (pronounced: /ˌraɪnoʊˈvaɪrəs/), from the Greek words "rhin" meaning nose and "virus" meaning poison, is a type of virus that is the predominant cause of the common cold.
Etymology
The term "Rhinovirus" is derived from the Greek words "rhin" which means nose and "virus" which means poison. This is due to the fact that the virus primarily infects the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nose.
Classification
Rhinoviruses belong to the genus Enterovirus in the family Picornaviridae. There are over 160 recognized types of rhinovirus that differ according to their surface proteins. They are classified into three species: Rhinovirus A, Rhinovirus B, and Rhinovirus C.
Transmission
Rhinoviruses are transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, or indirectly through touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus can survive on surfaces for several hours.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of a rhinovirus infection include sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and sometimes a mild fever. Symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus and typically resolve within 7 to 10 days.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of rhinovirus infection primarily involves good hygiene practices such as regular hand washing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and not touching the face with unwashed hands. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for rhinovirus infection. Management of symptoms often involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter cold remedies.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rhinovirus
- Wikipedia's article - Rhinovirus
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