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For the first time since July: The SARS-CoV-2 virus is declining, the rhinovirus dominates in Austria. This is shown by a current study by a virologist.
Vienna – It has almost become a habit to hear people around us coughing, sneezing or blowing their noses. This becomes particularly evident as the colder months begin and cold and infection season reaches its peak. When someone sneezes near us, we reflexively say “Bless you.” An empathetic, understanding look follows, but we often don’t think about it any further. But which ones? Illness is the person who has a cold really bothered?
Rhinovirus dominates in Austria: For the first time since July, Corona is not at the top
What exactly is the difference between corona, flu and cold? In Austria, our neighboring country, there is a significant change in the infection rate. According to Judith Aberle, virologist at the Medical University of Vienna, the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is decreasing, as oe24.at reported.
The rhinovirus is one of the classic cold infections. (Symbolic image) © Josep Suria/Imago
For the first time since July, the coronavirus is no longer predominant, but rather the classic cold disease rhinovirus with a positive rate of 23 percent. The positive rate for SARS-CoV-2 is currently 13 percent, followed by parainfluenza at 9 percent. However, the numbers could be affected by a lower number of samples submitted due to a public holiday.
Saliva, mucus, surfaces: Risk of infection is particularly high in densely populated environments
Rhinovirus is part of the Picornaviridae family, which also includes poliovirus and enteroviruses. It spreads primarily through respiratory secretions such as saliva and mucus, as well as through contaminated surfaces. The risk of infection is particularly high in densely populated environments such as schools or care facilities Diversey.at explained.
These are the symptoms of rhinovirus disease:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Fever
- Body aches
- Headache
- Watery eyes
Those: Diversey.at
Rhinoviruses are resilient and can survive on surfaces for several hours. This increases the chance of transmission through touching contaminated objects. Children and people with asthma are particularly at risk as they often experience worsening of their symptoms. While most infected people recover within seven to 10 days, those with weakened immune systems or respiratory illnesses can develop serious complications such as pneumonia.
