Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Epidemiology of Rhinovirus

Rhinovirus (RV) has long been known as the main etiological agent of "common colds" among children and adults. Indeed, RV is involved in more than 50% of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), mostly characterized by nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat and cough. RV can also cause mild to severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) such as acute bronchiolitis, pneumonia and exacerbations of underlying chronic lung diseases. RV circulates worldwide, especially in temperate climate zones (i.e. many areas of the USA and Europe) and is responsible for annual outbreaks from early fall to the end of spring.

The covid-19 pandemic in 2020 seemed to interfere with the usual seasonal epidemics. For example, the winter Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) epidemic in Lyon, France, was delayed for several months and reduced by half in terms of incidence of hospitalization cases. This can be explained by the widespread deployment of barrier gestures and social distancing measures, known as "non pharmacological interventions" (NPI).

However, the Covid-19 pandemic doesn't seem to have the same reducing impact on Rhinovirus epidemic. A better understanding of viral interactions and factors influencing RV epidemiology as well as the identification of populations at greater risk are required to improve preventive strategies and reduce the burden of Rhinovirus.