Every year, millions of people are attacked by Rhinoviruses. This virus is one of the most common causes of the common cold, which is also a viral infection of the upper respiratory system. RSV is a respiratory virus that can be found all over the US.
Rhinovirus in toddlers is most commonly seen; elder people are also prone to this kind of virus attack. Last year 2.1 million people were infected by RSV, and most of them were children. 100–300 children under the age of five die each year. In this informative article, I will talk all about Rhinovirus vs RSV, including prevention, transmission, symptoms, and many more.
What is Rhinovirus?
A virus known as rhinovirus is caused by the common cold. It belongs to the Picornaviridae family and has a single-stranded RNA genome. Because they are so tiny, rhinoviruses can only be seen under a microscope. They are a common cause of upper respiratory tract infections and can infect people of all ages.
Symptoms of Rhinovirus
The most common symptoms of Rhinovirus infection are:
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Muscle aches
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
Symptoms typically last for a few days to a week but may last longer in some cases.
How does Rhinovirus spread?
Contact with respiratory secretions makes rhinovirus highly contagious (mucus, saliva) from an infected person, either through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus can spread through the air when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes.
Prevention and Treatment of Rhinovirus
When it comes to Rhinovirus infection, treatment is mainly focused on providing support through rest, hydration, and the use of over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms. Be aware that antibiotics cannot treat viral infections such as Rhinovirus.
If you have a Rhinovirus infection and are experiencing severe symptoms, such as high fever, severe cough, or difficulty breathing, you should contact a physician for further evaluation and treatment.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
A virus called Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause respiratory illnesses, particularly in young children and elderly people. It is a member of the paramyxovirus family and is highly contagious, spreading easily through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. In addition to being a prevalent cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis, RSV can also result in upper respiratory tract infections.
Common Symptoms of RSV
The severity of symptoms caused by the RSV virus can vary depending on the age of the patient. From minimal to serious symptoms, it can affect individuals differently. The following are the most common signs of RSV infection:
- Wheezing
- Runny nose
- RSV cough sounds typically dry
- Fever
- Faster breathing,
- Having trouble breathing
- In severe cases, the lips or nails may appear bluish in color.
In young children and older adults, RSV infection can be more severe and may require hospitalization.
Transmission
RSV is a highly contagious illness that can easily be transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions (mucus, saliva) from an infected person, either through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus can also be spread by air droplets (from coughs or sneezes) when a person is already infected.
Prevention and Treatment of RSV
To avoid getting infected with RSV, it’s important to maintain good hand hygiene and steer clear of close contact with people who are sick. Also, disinfect surfaces that might be contaminated with the virus. RSV infection does not have a particular therapy.
However, supportive care might lessen symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, especially in infants and older adults.
Treatment is supportive care for mild cases; symptoms can be relieved by rest, drinking water, and taking over-the-counter medication such as Kid Z-Stack and Z-Flu. To know more about the effectiveness of Z-flu, read this article: Can Z-Flu Gummies Kill The Flu Virus In The Body?.
Hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases in young children and older adults. There are also medications that can be used to prevent RSV infection in high-risk individuals, for example, people with weakened immune systems or children with any other medical issues. Medications are given as injections or through a nebulizer and are typically reserved for those at the highest risk of severe illness.
Rhinovirus vs RSV
Rhinovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are two common respiratory viruses that can cause illness in both adults and kids. While both viruses can cause respiratory symptoms. Here are several key differences between the two that can help distinguish them.
The key difference between Rhinovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Rhinovirus vs RSV)
| Characteristic | Rhinovirus | RSV |
| Hygiene maintenance, avoiding direct contact with infected persons and disinfecting surfaces, | Picornaviridae | Paramyxoviridae |
| Genome | Single-stranded RNA | Single-stranded RNA |
| Symptoms | Muscle pain, fever, clogged nose | Range of respiratory symptoms: mild (e.g. runny nose, cough) to severe (e.g. bronchiolitis, pneumonia) depending on age and health |
| Epidemiology | Most common in fall and spring | Most common in winter and early spring |
| Transmission | Contact with respiratory secretions (mucus, saliva) | Contact with respiratory secretions (mucus, saliva) and contaminated surfaces |
| Epidemiology | Rhinovirus infections are most common in the fall and spring | Infections with RSV are more likely to occur during the winter and early spring. |
| Diagnosis | Laboratory testing of respiratory specimens (nasal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) | Laboratory testing of respiratory specimens (nasal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) |
| Management | Treatment for rhinovirus is typically supportive | while management of RSV may require hospitalization for severe cases, especially in young children and older adults. |
| Treatment | Take rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications by Dr.Zelenko such as Z-flu and Z-shield | If RSV is mild, it can be treated with supportive care, but hospitalization may be needed for severe cases in young children and older adults. |
| Prevention | Covering mouth and nose, using a mask, get vaccinated | Covering mouth and nose, using a mask, get vaccinated |
Ultimate Solution for RSV and Rhinovirus
Do you know severe bronchiolitis is mainly caused by RSV and rhinovirus (RV), which together account for about 85% of virus-related cases? If you are unaware of the symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment of each virus. It might harm you more
Z-Flu is a dietary supplement mainly created to minimize the symptoms of RSV and RV. A combination of Vitamin c and d, zinc, quercetin, and elderberry will make your immune stronger, which would help you be immune to fight ever than before.
Last Word
From my article, you got to know the comparisons between Rhinovirus vs RSV. Respiratory infections can be caused by Rhinovirus or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV or RSVS), which are two common viruses that are commonly seen. Rhinovirus commonly occurs in fall and spring and usually causes mild upper respiratory symptoms that may last for 2-4 days to a week.
On the other hand, RSV is common in winter and early spring and can cause a wide range of respiratory symptoms, depending on age and health, from mild to severe. Certain steps can aid in the prevention of viral transmission. And supplements like Z-Flu (for adults) and Kid Z-Stack gummies (for kids) also aid in lowering both virus effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rhinovirus the same as RSV?
Ans: No, RSV and rhinovirus are not the same virus.
Can RSV cause a rash?
Ans: Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection usually does not result in a skin rash. It primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulty.
Does RSV cause diarrhea?
Ans: RSV primarily affects the respiratory system; there have been some reports of RSV infection causing gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea.
When should an infant with RSV be admitted to the hospital?
Ans: It is necessary to remember that rhinovirus in toddlers is the most common. Because toddlers and kids are most prone to RSV, if you notice the child has difficulty in breathing, swallowing problems, or a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you may take the baby to the hospital.
What are the RSV eye symptoms?
Ans: RSV infection can cause conjunctivitis, which is also known as “pink eye. Symptoms of conjunctivitis can include redness, itching, burning, and discharge from the eyes. In some cases, conjunctivitis can be caused by the same virus that is causing respiratory symptoms, such as rsvs.
What is ICD 10 code for rhinovirus?
Ans: The ICD-10 code for Rhinovirus is J00, which is the code for Acute nasopharyngitis or common cold
