Why are cold cases increasing now? Doctors break down the ‘very contagious’ rhinovirus

During the peak of the pandemic, COVID-19 restrictions caused a decline in other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus. But now, it seems, the rhinovirus has returned in a big way.

The virus, which typically causes the common cold, is behind a major outbreak in Los Angeles County, where data shows at least 30% of positive tests for respiratory viruses have reverted to rhinovirus and its sister disease enterovirus in recent weeks. That’s a massive increase from the next closest disease, parainfluenza (a respiratory disease common in infants and children that’s distinct from influenza), which has accounted for just over 5% of positive respiratory virus tests.

The rhinovirus also emerged in a report issued last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which found that cases of the virus (along with enterovirus) have skyrocketed this summer – although the rhinovirus usually peaks in spring and autumn.

Add that to the news that hospitals are filling up with children infected with diseases that typically increase in the winter – including, Yes, rhinovirus — and it’s understandable to have questions. But what is rhinovirus and why is this surge happening now? Here’s what you need to know.

What is rhinovirus?

Rhinovirus is the most common cause of the common cold, according to the CDC. Rhinoviruses can also trigger asthma attacks and have been linked to sinus and ear infections, according to the CDC.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the viruses can cause sore throats, ear infections and sinus infections, as well as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Rhinoviruses spread easily — they can be passed on if the virus gets on an object that another person touches and then touches their own eyes, nose or mouth, the AAP says. People can also breathe in the virus after an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Rhinovirus Symptoms

According to the CDC, symptoms of rhinovirus typically include:

• Sore throat

• runny nose

• Cough

• Sneeze

• headache

• body aches

The story goes on

In children, the virus can also cause a low-grade fever and a mild loss of appetite, according to the AAP. People with rhinovirus usually get better within seven to 10 days.

Why is this surge in cases happening now?

A lot has to do with people interacting more than last year, says Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, told Yahoo Life. “The kids are back in school and everyone is close again and spreading viruses that we haven’t spread very much in the last two years,” says Schaffner. “These viruses are taking an opportunity to spread among children because of the pandemic that they have not experienced in the past.”

Social distancing and mask-wearing “certainly had an impact on how little rhinovirus we’ve seen during the pandemic,” says Dr. Rosemary Olivero, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Corewell Health’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital at Michigan University, told Yahoo Life. But, she adds, “there’s a downside to this: Many of us may have lost our short-lived immunity to rhinovirus, which could help us see more of this virus this year.”

But the rhinovirus is also “very contagious” and “therefore it spreads quickly,” says Dr. Danelle Fisher, pediatrician and chair of pediatrics at Providence St. John Health Center in Santa Monica, California, told Yahoo Life. “Some kids get a cold from it and others get a lot sicker – it can be really bad,” she adds.

Fisher says she has conversations with patients’ parents about the rhinovirus “several times a day.” She continues, “These viruses are stronger than they have been in years.”

What does this mean for cold and flu season?

It could get violent. “I think this could be a bad season, especially because at this point the world has rolled back all measures to contain COVID-19,” says Dr. Shengyi Mao, an internist and pediatrician at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, told Yahoo Life. “Wearing masks and social distancing not only helped spread COVID-19 but other respiratory viruses as well, so I suspect more people will get respiratory viruses.”

Serious illnesses and hospital stays are the result, says Mao. “It’s a numbers game,” she explains. “The more people get sick, the more people become seriously ill.”

How to protect yourself

Again, rhinoviruses are highly contagious and can be difficult to avoid completely. But you can lower the risk of you or family members getting sick.

This includes practicing “proven” methods of preventing disease, such as: B. good hand hygiene and avoiding sick people, says Olivero.

There is also the following to consider: while there is no vaccine to prevent rhinovirus, there are vaccines to prevent other respiratory diseases. “It is of paramount importance that we vaccinate against the viruses for which a vaccine is available: COVID-19 and influenza, which will keep hundreds of thousands of Americans out of the hospital and reduce the overall severity of the disease,” says Olivero.

If you or your child does contract the rhinovirus, Fisher cautions that, unfortunately, “there is no cure — you just have to endure it.” However, the CDC says getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated can help. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and cold medicine can help you feel better, but they won’t make your illness go away any faster.

“Rhinoviruses and other respiratory viruses are back,” says Schaffner. “Be careful.”

Wellness, parenting, body image and more: get to know it who Behind huh with the Yahoo Life newsletter. Sign up here.