Common Cold Viruses Elevated This Fall, Experts Advise Precautions
Rhinovirus and enterovirus cases are on the rise, but doctors say these common illnesses are not a cause for widespread alarm if basic health practices are followed.
Rates of rhinovirus and enterovirus, viruses that cause common cold symptoms, have increased across the United States this fall, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. While these illnesses are circulating, infectious disease experts emphasize that they are typical for this time of year and not a cause for significant worry.
"This is not unusual for this time of year," said Dr. Aniruddha Hazra, an infectious disease physician at UChicago Medicine. "We think of these as seasonal respiratory viruses that often start to increase or creep up around the fall, usually when kids are back at school and there’s more indoor activities in general."
Dr. Ryan Carroll, an infectious diseases physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, noted that rhinovirus and enterovirus are among the most common viruses seen in the community, frequently causing common colds and gastrointestinal issues.
Rhinovirus typically causes upper respiratory symptoms such as congestion, runny noses, coughs, and fevers. Enteroviruses can present similarly with respiratory symptoms, but may also lead to gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and sometimes hand and foot lesions. "The symptoms are pretty variable," Carroll added.
To help prevent contracting or spreading these viruses, experts recommend practicing good hand hygiene, washing hands frequently and thoroughly, especially in crowded settings, after using the restroom, before eating, and before touching one's face. Wearing masks can also be effective in preventing the transmission of respiratory viruses, particularly in healthcare settings or for individuals with higher risk factors.
"And then getting vaccinated for other respiratory viruses is helpful because sometimes, particularly kids can be co-infected with multiple respiratory viruses," Hazra said. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations for viruses like COVID-19 and influenza can offer protection against co-infections or more severe illness.
If symptoms develop, staying home is crucial to prevent spreading the illness to others. While most cases can be managed at home, individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying lung conditions may be at higher risk. "We want to be very mindful to try to protect those particular community members as much as we can," Carroll stated, reiterating the importance of preventative measures.