Rhinovirus cases are on the rise

UK government data from its weekly virus update show that Rhinovirus positivity has gone up to 9.7% from 8.1% last week.

The data worryingly showed that the biggest positivity was among those aged under five years at 29%.

It marks a contrast to coronavirus, RSV and influenza, which have not seen an uptick in recent weeks in comparison to Rhinovirus.

What is Rhinovirus?

Rhinoviruses are known as the most common cause of the common cold.

However, the virus can cause a range of symptoms.

This includes sore throats and headaches, but can lead to more serious issues such as severe asthma attacks, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia.

Other symptoms include fever, mild body aches, sneezing and sinus infections.

The UKHSA hasn't issued a statement on Rhinovirus, but Public Health Scotland has said: "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 recognised and classified into three species as RV-A (83 types), RV-B (32 types), and RV-C (56 types)."