Rhinovirus

Rhinovirus is the most common virus in humans, and the main cause of the common cold. It is called 'rhinovirus' because it infects the nose.^[1] The symptoms are very well known, and affect the whole of the upper respiratory tract, that is, the nose down to the throat. Children may get six to twelve colds a year.^[2]

Rhinovirus
Rhinovirus
Scientific classification
Groups included
Rhinovirus A Rhinovirus B Rhinovirus C
Cladistically included but traditionally excluded taxa
Enterovirus A Enterovirus B Enterovirus C Enterovirus D Enterovirus E Enterovirus F Enterovirus G Enterovirus H Enterovirus I Enterovirus J Enterovirus K Enterovirus L

The temperature most suitable for its survival is between 33 ℃ to 35 ℃. This may explain why it is found in the nose, because the nasal cavity is be open to the outside air.^[3]

There are 99 types of rhinovirus, according to their surface proteins. The rhinovirus particles are only 30nm in diameter. This is much smaller than other viruses: many are ten times larger.