Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The primary virus responsible for the common cold is the rhinovirus. Rhinoviruses are small RNA viruses that predominantly cause upper respiratory infections, which include the common cold. They are highly prevalent and capable of circulating widely, especially during the fall and spring months, making them a leading cause of respiratory illness in the general population.

Rhinoviruses primarily infect the nasal mucosa, leading to symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and sneezing. Their ability to replicate effectively at the cooler temperatures found in the nasal cavity (around 33-35 degrees Celsius) explains their association with common colds.

While influenza virus and coronaviruses can also lead to respiratory illnesses, including colds, they are more often associated with more severe symptoms and conditions such as the flu or other respiratory syndromes. Adenovirus, on the other hand, may cause illnesses like conjunctivitis and gastroenteritis in addition to respiratory symptoms, but it is not the primary cause of the common cold. Therefore, the rhinovirus is specifically recognized as the most common agent behind this mild respiratory infection, distinguishing it from other viral infections that may share overlapping symptoms.