RHINOVIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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Rhinovirus is a noun that refers to a common type of virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family, specifically from the genus Enterovirus. It is commonly associated with respiratory infections in humans, primarily causing the common cold. The term "rhino" in rhinovirus is derived from the Greek word for nose, as the virus primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nasal passages.
The rhinovirus is made up of an RNA genome enclosed in a protein capsid. It is highly contagious and is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or handshakes.
Symptoms of a rhinovirus infection include congestion, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Although rhinoviruses are generally harmless and self-limiting, they can cause discomfort and inconvenience, particularly to vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
There are over a hundred different serotypes of rhinoviruses, making it challenging to develop a universal vaccine. As a result, treatment primarily involves managing symptoms and relieving discomfort, such as over-the-counter cold medications, nasal decongestants, or throat lozenges. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, can help prevent the spread of rhinoviruses.
Common Misspellings for RHINOVIRUS
- ehinovirus
- dhinovirus
- fhinovirus
- thinovirus
- 5hinovirus
- 4hinovirus
- rginovirus
- rbinovirus
- rninovirus
- rjinovirus
- ruinovirus
- ryinovirus
- rhunovirus
- rhjnovirus
- rhknovirus
- rhonovirus
- rh9novirus
- rh8novirus
- rhibovirus
- rhinolits
Etymology of RHINOVIRUS
The word "rhinovirus" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "rhino" (meaning nose) and "virus" (meaning poison or slimy liquid).
The term was coined by Dr. G.J. Leistikow, a Swedish physician, in 1956. Leistikow discovered a new virus that caused the common cold and named it "rhinovirus" due to its association with the nasal passages. The word accurately describes the nature of the virus, as it primarily infects and causes symptoms in the nose, such as sneezing, congestion, and runny nose.
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