Rhinovirus

Rhinovirus is primarily associated with upper respiratory tract infection, otitis media, and sinusitis. It is the most common cause of common cold worldwide.

Rhinovirus is usually spread from an infected person to others through:

• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• droplets by coughing and sneezing
• touching an object or surface with Rhinovirus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands

The main symptoms may include:

• Nasal congestion or discharge
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Cough

In addition, children can also have fever during the first 2 to 3 days and moderate enlargement of the anterior cervical nodes.

If NIAS staff are aware that the patient has a suspected or confirmed case this should be communicated to the Control Room (Emergency or Non-emergency as appropriate) and the staff in the receiving unit when transferring the patient to ensure effective patient care and management.

• Droplet precautions should be used until the patient is 24 hours asymptomatic.
• Hand Hygiene should be completed as per the 5 moments in line with usual practice.
• Eye protection should be risk assessed for any concern regarding a splash risk.
• A Fluid Resistant Surgical Mask should be worn.
• Gloves and Aprons should be worn.
• The patient should be transported via ambulance with no other patients present and asked to wear a FRSM if tolerated and it does not interfere with their treatment.
• Laundry should be treated as contaminated, placed into an alginate bag and placed into a red laundry bag.

All equipment and the ambulance should have an in-between patient clean paying particular attention to touch points.

Staff should remain vigilant for symptoms but there is no follow up required and staff do not need to be off work.