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Rhinovirus facts for kids

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Rhinovirus
Isosurface of a human rhinovirus, showing protein spikes
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

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. 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.

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.

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.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Rhinovirus para niños

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Rhinovirus Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.