Rhinovirus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhinovirus |
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Rhinovirus is a tiny germ, or virus, that is the main cause of the common cold. When you get a stuffy nose, a sore throat, or start sneezing, a rhinovirus is usually the reason! It's called 'rhinovirus' because it loves to infect your nose.
These viruses cause symptoms that affect your upper breathing system. This includes your nose and throat. Kids can often get many colds in a year, sometimes six to twelve times.
Where Does it Live?
Rhinoviruses like to live in cooler temperatures. They do best between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius (about 91 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). This might be why they are often found in your nose. Your nose is open to the outside air, so it can be a bit cooler than the rest of your body.
How Small is it?
There are about 99 different types of rhinovirus. Scientists tell them apart by looking at the proteins on their surface. These virus particles are super tiny, only about 30 nanometers wide. To give you an idea, many other viruses are ten times bigger!
Images for kids
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This image shows how different types of rhinoviruses and enteroviruses are related.
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This picture shows the inside structure of a human rhinovirus and its genetic material.
See also
In Spanish: Rhinovirus para niños
