There are over 250 different kinds of cold viruses! But rhinovirus is by far the most common. (Rhino means "nose" in Greek – think rhinoceros.) With over 100 different varieties, rhinoviruses are responsible for almost 35 percent of colds. Rhinovirus is particularly active during the fall and winter months. Why? Because rhinovirus loves the low humidity. Also, when the humidity is low, your nose dries out and is more susceptible to infection. But, despite what many think, studies show that one thing that doesn't cause a cold is cold! The best thing you can do to lower your chances of catching a cold is to wash your hands a lot. Rhinovirus can survive three hours outside someone's nose. If it gets on your fingers and you rub your nose, you've caught it! What can you do if you get a cold? Not much. Antihistamines and decongestants can help relieve the symptoms of a cold. But antibiotics only work against bacteria and not against viruses. So get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids – and play with your GIANTmicrobes!
