Rhinovirus cases on the rise in the Magic Valley

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — It’s cold and flu season, so it’s essential to take precautions to keep yourself safe from illness, this includes the Rhinovirus.

The Rhinovirus is a member of the typical cold family, and it thrives during this time of year, among other illnesses such as Flu and COVID. Daniel Winward, a physician’s assistant for St. Luke’s, said when people come into the hospital, they test for illnesses like flu and COVID. Those results can also give them an idea of the prevalence of Rhinovirus in the area.

“We have access to what the local community averages are with positive testing with St. Luke’s. So 9% is Rhinovirus,” Winward said.

Winward said testing for Rhinovirus is difficult and expensive, with a cost in the thousands. However, since it’s a member of the cold family, the symptoms are easy to identify.

“Runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, sneezing, sometimes a fever,” Winward said.

Those are the same symptoms for COVID and the flu but are easier to test for. If there are muscle aches that accompany these symptoms, that’s a sign of the flu.

Dr. Jonathan Muretisch, with Innovative Family Medicine, said they are seeing cases of it in all age groups, with some patients more vulnerable than others.

“Especially our older populations, those over the age of 65 or maybe our younger children, Rhinovirus can cause a more severe type of illness,” Dr. Muretisch said.

Those with compromised immune systems are also vulnerable. Rhinovirus can spread quickly from person to person since it’s a cold virus. Still, the methods to prevent spreading it are simple.

“Washing hands, covering coughs, staying home if you are feeling sick,” Dr. Muretisch said.

Dr. Muretisch added if you need to go out, wear a mask to keep the virus from spreading to others. He also reminds people there is no vaccine for Rhinovirus.

If you are sick, fluids and anti-cold medicine can help you recover.

These precautions are essential to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed with infected patients.

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