Top Health Science 
As we move through 2025, a variety of cold and respiratory viruses continue to circulate across the United States. While many people refer to any sniffle or sore throat as a “cold,” it’s important to know that several different viruses can cause cold-like symptoms—and each has its own pattern of symptoms, contagiousness, and risks.
Below is an updated guide on the most common cold viruses circulating right now, their characteristics, symptoms, and treatment options.
1. Rhinovirus – The Most Common Cold Virus[1]
Overview:
Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of the common cold. These viruses thrive in cooler temperatures, which is why they often spread during transitional seasons.
Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Mild cough
- Headache or mild body aches
- Low-grade fever
Contagious period:
From 1–2 days before symptoms start until 7–10 days after.
Treatment:
- Rest and hydration
- Over-the-counter (OTC) meds: decongestants, antihistamines, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort
- No antibiotics (rhinovirus is viral)
2. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) – High Risk for Babies & Elderly[2]
Overview:
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. It usually peaks in December and January.
Symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
Treatment:
- Supportive care: nasal suction, cool-mist humidifier, fluids
- Fever reducers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Monoclonal antibodies (nirsevimab) used to prevent RSV infection infants and young children[3]
- Hospitalization if breathing issues or dehydration develop
3. Seasonal Human Coronaviruses (Non-COVID)[4]
Overview:
There are four main strains of human coronavirus (type 229E, NL63, OC43, HKU1) that regularly circulate each year and cause mild respiratory illness.
Symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- General feeling of being unwell
- Fatigue
Treatment:
- Pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give aspirin to children)
- Humidifier or take a hot shower
- Fluids for dehydration
- Stay home and rest
- Most recover in 5–7 days
- If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider
4. Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs) – Causes of Croup in Kids[5]
Overview:
HPIVs commonly cause upper and lower respiratory illnesses in infants, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, but anyone can get infected. Symptoms generally appear 2 to 6 days after infection.
Symptoms:
- Barking cough
- Hoarseness
- Fever
- Stridor (high-pitched breathing)
- Nasal congestion
- Wheezing
- Ear pain
Treatment:
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other over-the-counter medications for pain and fever (Caution: Aspirin should not be given to children.)
- Humidifier or take a hot shower
- Fluids for dehydration
- Stay home and rest
5. Adenovirus – Multi-System Cold Virus[6]
Overview:
Adenoviruses can cause a range of symptoms depending on the strain, including respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, and even gastrointestinal illness.
Symptoms:
- Common cold or flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Sore throat
- acute bronchitis (inflammation of the airways of the lungs, sometimes called a “chest cold”)
- pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
- pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach or intestines causing diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain)
Treatment:
- There are no approved antiviral medicines
- Rest and over-the-counter pain medicines or fever reducers
- Fluids for dehydration
- If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider
How Do You Know When to See a Doctor?
Not all cold viruses require medical intervention. However, seek care immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
- High fever (≥102°F / 39°C)
- Confusion, dizziness, or fainting
- Severe fatigue or dehydration
- Cough lasting more than 2 weeks
- Blood in phlegm or stool
For children:
- Refusal to eat/drink
- Blue lips or nails
- Lethargy or unusual fussiness
- High-pitched breathing sounds (stridor)
Prevention Tips for Cold Season
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water (20 seconds)
- Avoid touching face, especially eyes, nose, mouth
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or elbow when coughing/sneezing
- Use a HEPA air purifier indoors
- Wear a mask in crowded places if feeling unwell
- Disinfect shared surfaces regularly (phones, doorknobs, keyboards)
- Stay home when sick to avoid spreading illness
Cold vs. Flu vs. COVID-19 – Know the Difference
| Symptom | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual | Sudden | Gradual or sudden |
| Fever | Rare | Common (high) | Sometimes |
| Cough | Mild | Dry, often severe | Dry, sometimes severe |
| Loss of smell | Rare | Rare | Common |
| Fatigue | Mild | Common | Common |
When in doubt, test for flu and COVID-19 to confirm.
Cold viruses may seem minor, but they can lead to complications—especially in vulnerable groups. Knowing what’s circulating can help you stay one step ahead with the right care and prevention.
Stay hydrated, rest, and don’t forget to wash your hands frequently!
Reference
- [1] CDC, About Rhinoviruses
- [2] CDC, Respiratory syncytial virus Infection (RSV)
- [3] CDC, Use of Nirsevimab for the Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Among Infants and Young Children
- [4] CDC, Common Human Coronaviruses
- [5] CDC, About Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs)
- [6] CDC, About Adenovirus
