Physicians at the various SignatureCare Emergency Center locations in Texas report that they are starting to see a common respiratory virus, known as rhinovirus, circulating among children throughout the state.

Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of the common cold and are a common viral trigger for asthma attacks. They are usually mild, but they can be serious for high-risk groups like the elderly, infants, or immunocompromised individuals, potentially leading to severe pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening asthma/COPD, with no specific cure, requiring supportive care. 

According to Dr. Jason Yoast, the Medical Director of SignatureCare Emergency Center in Texarkana, TX, most people suffering from rhinovirus infections typically recover within 1-2 weeks with medication, rest, and fluids. However, severe symptoms, such as breathing trouble, high fever, or dehydration, require immediate medical attention.

Dr. Jason Yost confirmed this week, while speaking with the Texarkana Gazette, that he has recently seen children with cold and flu symptoms.

"Most of the kids are testing positive for something," Yost said. "Whether that be RSV, seasonal coronavirus, rhinovirus -- those are just a few of the ones we've seen.

"The most frequent by far is the human rhinovirus, which is your typical common cold bug. We are starting to see a bit more RSV, which is typical for winter months," he added.

Yost said the common symptoms include coughing, congestion, a runny nose, and possible fever. The sickness can sometimes last nearly two weeks.

"Typically, a week to 10 days for the bulk of the symptoms," Yost said. "However, a lot of those things tend to linger."

The virus tends to spread among preschool-age kids at daycare centers, he said.

"For example, preschool kids who aren't good at washing their hands might stick their finger in their nose, then play with a toy, then another kid will play with the same toy," Yost said. "It's the oral respiratory secretions, so when they cough, those particles get spewed out."