What is Rhinovirus?

Yeditepe University Hospital Koşuyolu Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu: ''Virus, which was reported in the media as "rhinoceros virus" and caused an epidemic in December, is rhinovirus, which means rhinoceros from Latin rhinoceros, and that this name was given because it caused more infections in the nose and throat. Reminding that this virus is not new, Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu continued as follows;  "It is the oldest known cold and cold virus. Most respiratory infections in the winter are due to rhinovirus and RSV viruses. After January, the influenza factor started to increase. Apart from nasal and nasal infections, influenza also causes malaise, muscle and joint pains, and high fever in the whole body.

While other respiratory infections improve in a week with supportive treatments, pneumonia, sinusitis, heart failure, and many other complications can lead to death in people defined as the flu risk group. For this reason, it is recommended that people at risk be vaccinated because it is a disease that has been vaccinated.”

It Can Cause Other Diseases

Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu: “This virus is also the most common cause of sinusitis. However, middle ear inflammation is also effective in exacerbating chronic bronchitis and COPD. For this reason, people in the risk group should be especially careful.”

Although this virus is seen at all ages, the symptoms differ according to age, Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu also added: “Dry cough and watery runny nose are the most common symptoms in school-age children, while it causes high fever in children under one year of age. It exacerbates COPD that exists at an advanced age and can cause pneumonia. ”

To Prevent Infection;

Stating that rhinovirus infections are usually mild and stop on their own, Prof. Dr. Sönmezolu: “Treatment is aimed at reducing and alleviating symptoms. However, it spreads to the environment and precautions should be taken to prevent complications. Therefore, the patient should definitely rest, try to take fluids as much as possible, and use antihistamines, nasal opening drugs, and drops under the control of the physician. In addition, the area where the patient is located should be wiped with alcohol-based disinfectant to prevent contamination, hands should be washed frequently, the temperature and humidity of the environment should be adjusted to prevent drying of the nose and throat. One must not drink alcohol and smoke."

Wash Your Hands Frequently

Giving information about what needs to be done to protect against rhinovirus, Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu listed them as follows:

“Avoid close contact with sick people. When you have a flu-like illness, you should rest at home. When you are sick, limit contact with other people as much as possible to avoid transmitting the disease. Cover your nose and mouth with paper and tissue when sneezing and coughing. Dispose of the tissue paper you are using in the trash. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Do not touch your mouth, nose, and eyes with dirty hands. Clean the surfaces frequently. Ventilate the areas where you are.”

Press Coverage: cumhuriyet  | cnnturk