Which virus is responsible for the common cold?

The rhinovirus is the primary virus responsible for causing the common cold, accounting for a significant percentage of cold cases. It is a small, non-enveloped virus that predominantly infects the upper respiratory tract and is known for its ability to cause mild respiratory illnesses. Rhinoviruses thrive in cooler temperatures, such as those found in the nasal cavity, which contributes to their higher incidence during late summer and fall.

While other viruses like coronaviruses and influenza can also cause respiratory symptoms, they are less frequently the cause of common colds in comparison to rhinoviruses. Influenza viruses lead to more severe respiratory infections known as the flu, characterized by higher fever and systemic symptoms. Coronaviruses can cause a range of illnesses from mild colds to more severe diseases, but the specific strains primarily identified with cold symptoms are less prevalent than rhinoviruses. The herpes virus, on the other hand, is associated with completely different illnesses and is not linked to respiratory infections like the common cold. Thus, the rhinovirus is definitively the most common culprit for cold symptoms.