What is Rhinovirus and how to treat it?

Full disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Should you be in a sticky situation, you should always seek out advice from a legal professional.

*********

‍

‍

Welcome to the world of the rhinovirus, a pesky little bugger that loves nothing more than to invade your nasal passages and make you feel like you've been hit by a truck.

‍

But don't worry, we're here to guide you through the ins and outs of this common cold-causing virus. So sit back, grab a tissue (you're going to need it), and get ready to sneeze your way through this journey.

‍

‍

What is rhinovirus?

First things first, what is a rhinovirus? Well, it's a tiny little germ that lives to cause congestion, sneezing, and a general feeling of misery. And the worst part? It's everywhere. These little critters are constantly floating around in the air, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to sneak into your body and set up shop.

‍

‍

What are the symptoms of rhinovirus?

So how do you know if you've been infected with a rhinovirus? Well, the symptoms are pretty classic: a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and a scratchy throat. Some people might also experience a low-grade fever, headache, and fatigue. Oh, and let's not forget about that delightful cough that just won't go away.

‍

‍

How do I treat rhinovirus?

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Great, just what I needed. Another reason to feel like crap." But don't despair, there are a few things you can do to make your rhinovirus experience a little more bearable.

‍

First and foremost, hydration is key. Drink plenty of water, juice, and other fluids to help flush out the virus and soothe your scratchy throat. And while it might be tempting to turn to alcohol or caffeine to ease your symptoms, these can actually make things worse by dehydrating your body even more.

‍

Next up, over-the-counter medications can be a lifesaver. Nasal decongestants and antihistamines can help reduce congestion and sneezing, while pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate any aches and pains. Just be sure to follow the recommended dosage and don't mix and match too many different medications.

‍

And last but not least, give yourself a break. Yes, we all have busy lives and a million things to do, but sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to take a step back and rest. It might mean cancelling plans or taking a day off work, but trust me, your body will thank you for it in the long run.

‍

Now, I know what you're thinking: "But what about all those home remedies I've heard about? Like chicken soup and hot tea with honey?" Well, while these might not have any magical powers, they can certainly provide some comfort and warmth when you're feeling under the weather. And hey, if it makes you feel better, go for it!

‍

‍

How do I prevent rhinovirus?

But let's be real, the best way to deal with a rhinovirus is to avoid getting it in the first place. And while that's easier said than done, there are a few things you can do to lower your chances of infection:

‍

• Wash your hands regularly, especially after blowing your nose or being in public places
• Avoid close contact with sick people (easier said than done, I know)
• Stay home if you're feeling sick to avoid spreading the virus to others
• Get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat a healthy diet to boost your immune system
• ‍

So there you have it, everything you need to know about the dreaded rhinovirus. While it may not be the most glamorous topic, we hope this helps!

‍

‍

Can getting rest fix my rhinovirus?

It’s easy to request a sick day or two off from work when you have rhinovirus with a Partner Doctor through MinuteHealth. Rest can often help with rhinovirus to reduce the length and severity of it.

‍

Being an Aussie owned & run company, MinuteHealth understands the importance of helping our fellow Aussies out in times of need.

‍

We also understand what it’s like to be in the queue at a doctor’s office just to get a note to confirm things you already knew about your health, just so you can get paid on what should be your day off. Being able to get medical certificates online helps Australians get the rest they need when they need it so they can get back on their feet and back to contributing in no time.

‍

If you need an online medical certificate, it’s a simple process to get one through MinuteHealth:

‍

📱 Head here

‍

📝 Fill in a short form — it asks for key details about your medical issue

‍

👨‍⚕️ Consult with your own Partner Doctor — they’ll take the medical information you provide and review within 24-48 hours

‍

📥 Get your medical certificate to your inbox — you’ll receive an SMS and an e-mail with your medical certificate ready to download

‍

‍

It’s important to note that the independent Partner Doctor will read your health notes and make an informed decision on whether to provide you with a medical certificate or not. The Health Practitioner does not work for us, and we’ve created MinuteHealth to facilitate a convenient, ongoing connection with them.

‍