New considerations in the treatment and prevention of rhinovirus infections.

Rhinoviruses are a very common cause of infections in children. Although these infections are most closely associated with the common cold, recent studies have established the rhinoviruses as important causes of other upper and lower respiratory illnesses as well. Treatment of these infections is limited to symptomatic therapy. There is no clear evidence that treatment with zinc or echinacea have any role in these infections. Interruption of transmission by handwashing remains the only method for prevention of rhinovirus infections.