London - Alsharq Tribune- Mohamed Al Otaify
Cases of another horror winter flu virus are on the rise across the UK. Alongside Coronavirus and HMPV, Rhinovirus cases have risen, new Government data has shown.
In its weekly virus update, Rhinovirus positivity has increased to 9.7% from 8.1% last week. And while no specifics on how many people were tested were given, it goes on to make a worrying claim. It states: “Rhinovirus positivity increased slightly to 9.7%, with the highest positivity in those aged under five years at 29%.”
And when compared to Coronavirus, RSV and influenza, Rhinovirus is currently the second most worrying virus around, and the only one where cases have risen in the last week or so.
Although Rhinovirus is the main cause of the common cold, it also leaves sufferers with a fever, cough, sore throat, headaches and more. And if left, it could leave to severe asthma attacks, bronchiolitis, bronchitis or even pneumonia.
No comments have been give by UKHSA about the rise in cases of Rhinovirus, however, a spokesman for Public Health Scotland explained: "Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of the common cold.
"They are primarily associated with upper respiratory tract infection but can cause lower respiratory tract infection also. “Rhinoviruses are small, non-enveloped viruses that belong to the Enterovirus genus, in the Picornaviridae family.
"There are 171 rhinovirus genotypes recognized and classified into the three species as RV-A (83 types), RV-B (32 types), and RV-C (56 types).”
According to the Government's own data, Rhinovirus is also the only rising virus when compared to Adenovirus, HMPV and Parainfluenze, with all three of those showing decreases in recent weeks.
