2024-01-06 09:19:12
Dr. Manoon Leechawengwong, head of the respiratory disease unit at Vichaiyut Hospital, has issued a warning about the spreading outbreak of Rhinovirus. In a recent Facebook post, Dr. Manoon revealed that both children and adults are being affected by the virus, which is now the most frequently found respiratory virus after Covid-19 and influenza.
One of the main challenges in dealing with Rhinovirus is the difficulty of diagnosis. Dr. Manoon emphasized that genetic testing is required for an accurate diagnosis, but the high inspection costs make it difficult to test for the virus using quick and affordable methods. This is further compounded by the fact that there is no antiviral drug available for Rhinovirus, making treatment purely symptomatic.
Rhinovirus, known to cause the common cold, was previously thought to be heat-sensitive and primarily affect the nose. However, a new strain known as Rhinovirus C has emerged in the past 20 years. This strain has adapted to tolerate heat well, allowing it to penetrate the trachea and lungs and potentially lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. Additionally, the symptoms of Rhinovirus C are very similar to those of other respiratory viruses, such as RSV and hMPV, making it difficult to differentiate based on symptoms alone.
A recent case study highlighted by Dr. Manoon involved a 34-year-old female patient who tested positive for Rhinovirus after experiencing cold symptoms for a day. Treatment focused on alleviating her symptoms, and she made a full recovery within a week. Similarly, her 36-year-old husband also tested positive for Rhinovirus and was successfully treated for his symptoms without the need for antibiotics.
In light of these developments, Dr. Manoon stressed the importance of being vigilant about the spread of Rhinovirus and being proactive in seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms. He also emphasized the need for continued research and development of affordable testing methods and potential antiviral treatments for Rhinovirus.
As the outbreak of Rhinovirus continues, it is important for individuals to stay informed and seek medical advice when necessary. The medical community will also need to work towards finding effective ways to address the challenges posed by this prevalent and evolving virus.]
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