What Is Rhinovirus?

Rhinovirus is one of the most common causes of the common cold. Every year, millions of people worldwide catch a cold due to rhinovirus infections. Understanding what rhinovirus is, how it spreads, and how it differs from the flu can help you manage symptoms, prevent transmission, and know when to seek medical care.

What Is Rhinovirus?

Rhinovirus belongs to a family of viruses called Picornaviridae. There are more than 100 different rhinovirus types, which is why you can catch colds over and over again.

Key features of rhinovirus:

• Structure & Classification
  • Small, non-enveloped RNA virus
  • Three species: RV-A, RV-B, RV-C
• Transmission
  • Spread via respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing)
  • Direct contact with contaminated surfaces (doorknobs, phones)
• Incubation Period
  • Symptoms typically appear 1–3 days after exposure
• Seasonality
  • Most common in early fall and late spring but can occur year-round

Common Symptoms of Rhinovirus Infection

Rhinovirus infections usually cause mild to moderate upper respiratory symptoms. They can include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Mild cough
• Low-grade fever (more common in children)
• Headache or mild body aches
• Watery eyes

Symptoms typically peak around days 2–3 and resolve within 7–10 days. In some cases, a cough or nasal drainage can linger for up to two weeks.

What Is the Flu?

Influenza (the flu) is caused by influenza viruses, primarily types A and B in humans. While both the common cold and flu are respiratory infections, the flu generally leads to more severe illness.

Key features of the flu:

• Virus Types
  • Influenza A (subtyped by surface proteins HA & NA)
  • Influenza B (no subtypes, but split into two lineages)
• Transmission
  • Similar to rhinovirus: respiratory droplets and surface contact
• Incubation Period
  • Typically 1–4 days after exposure
• Seasonality
  • Peaks in late fall through early spring in temperate climates

Differences Between Rhinovirus and Flu

Though they both attack the respiratory tract, rhinovirus colds and influenza infections have distinct characteristics:

Feature	Rhinovirus (Common Cold)	Influenza (Flu)
Onset	Gradual (over 1–2 days)	Sudden (within hours)
Fever	Rare or low-grade	Common, often high (38°C/100.4°F+)
Body Aches	Mild	Moderate to severe
Fatigue	Mild	Moderate to severe
Nasal Congestion/Sneezing	Prominent	Can occur, but less prominent
Cough	Mild to moderate	Often severe
Duration	7–10 days (can linger longer)	5–7 days acute, but cough may linger
Complications	Rare (middle ear infection, sinusitis)	Common (pneumonia, bronchitis)

Onset and Severity

• Cold (Rhinovirus): Symptoms build gradually, starting with a scratchy throat, then nasal congestion and sneezing.
• Flu (Influenza): Symptoms come on quickly—one morning you feel fine, by the afternoon you’re feverish, achy, and exhausted.

Fever and Body Aches

• Fevers above 38°C (100.4°F) are typical with the flu but uncommon with a rhinovirus cold.
• Body aches and extreme fatigue are hallmarks of influenza, whereas colds tend to cause only mild discomfort.

Diagnosis

Both conditions are usually diagnosed based on symptoms and physical exam:

• Medical History & Symptom Review
• Physical Exam (listening to lungs, checking nasal passages)
• Rapid Tests
  • Flu: rapid antigen tests available in clinics
  • Cold: rarely tested—diagnosis is clinical

If you’re unsure whether you have a cold or the flu, or if your symptoms worsen, consider a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker. It can guide you on next steps and whether you should seek medical attention.

Treatment

There is no cure for rhinovirus infections; treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Influenza may be treated with antiviral medications, which can shorten illness if started early.

Rhinovirus (Common Cold)

• Rest and hydration
• Over-the-counter (OTC) relief:
  • Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine)
  • Pain relievers/fever reducers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
  • Throat lozenges or sprays
• Saline nasal sprays and humidifiers

Influenza (Flu)

• Antiviral medications (prescribed by a doctor):
  • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
  • Zanamivir (Relenza)
  • Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)
• Supportive care as for a cold: rest, fluids, OTC medications

Prevention

Preventing rhinovirus and flu infections relies on good hygiene and, for influenza, vaccination.

General Hygiene Measures

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available
• Avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose, and mouth)
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Influenza Vaccination

• Annual flu shot recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older
• Vaccines are updated each year to match circulating flu strains
• Reduces risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications

There is currently no vaccine for rhinovirus, mainly because of the large number of distinct types.

When to Seek Medical Care

Most colds and flu cases are self-limiting, but you should contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or severe dizziness
• Persistent high fever (especially above 39°C/102.2°F)
• Severe or worsening cough
• Signs of dehydration (little/no urination, dry mouth, dizziness)
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement

For mild to moderate symptoms, you might start with a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker. It can help you decide if you need to see a doctor or manage symptoms at home.

Key Takeaways

• Rhinovirus causes the common cold: mild, gradual onset, mainly nasal symptoms.
• Influenza causes more severe illness: sudden onset, high fever, body aches, possible complications.
• Diagnosis is usually clinical; flu can be confirmed with rapid testing.
• Treatment for a cold is symptomatic; flu may be treated with antivirals.
• Prevention for both includes hand hygiene; flu prevention also includes vaccination.
• Seek medical care if you have severe or worsening symptoms.

If you have any serious concerns—especially symptoms that could be life-threatening—please speak to a doctor right away. Your health and safety are the top priority.