Rhinovirus Surges in China, Doctors Warn on Self-Medication

Health authorities in China are reporting a significant surge in rhinovirus infections, with the virus now the most frequently detected respiratory pathogen across the country. Doctors are urging the public to avoid self-medication and seek proper medical guidance as cases continue to rise, particularly among children.

According to data from the China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released June 21–23, rhinovirus detection rates are the highest among all respiratory pathogens in both outpatient and inpatient settings, with positivity rates continuing to climb, especially in northern provinces. The surge follows multiple waves of elevated rhinovirus activity earlier this year, including alerts in January and April 2026.

Doctors Warn Against Misuse of Medications

Dr. Zeng Saizhen (曾赛珍), Chief Physician at the Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital Children’s Medical Center, is warning parents against the common practice of self-prescribing antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or combining multiple cold medications when children fall ill.

“Many parents have medication misconceptions. Once their child catches a cold, they self-administer antibiotics or antiviral drugs — this is wrong,” Dr. Zeng told Xinhua News. “There is currently no specific targeted drug for rhinovirus infection. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, and antiviral drugs like oseltamivir are equally ineffective against rhinovirus. Blind medication not only hinders recovery but also increases the body’s metabolic burden and disrupts the bacterial balance.”

Dr. Zeng emphasized that rhinovirus belongs to the picornavirus family and is responsible for many common colds. The virus primarily attacks the upper respiratory tract, and most infected individuals experience mild symptoms. The disease is self-limiting, with most patients recovering within one week.

What Is Rhinovirus?

Rhinovirus is the most common cause of the common cold, responsible for 30 to 50 percent of acute upper respiratory infections in both adults and children. The virus has over 170 known serotypes, meaning infection only provides immunity against the specific serotype encountered — which is why people can catch colds repeatedly throughout their lives.

There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for rhinovirus, as the large number of serotypes makes vaccine development impractical. The virus spreads through droplets and close contact, and can survive on surfaces for several hours.

A Complex Multi-Virus Landscape

The rhinovirus surge is occurring against a backdrop of multiple respiratory viruses circulating simultaneously across China. China CDC surveillance data shows concurrent activity of influenza B, human metapneumovirus, SARS-CoV-2 (which has been rising over the past three weeks), enterovirus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In May 2026, China reported 21,861 COVID-19 cases, all caused by Omicron variants, including 35 severe cases and one death. Enterovirus activity is also significantly elevated in southern provinces, and hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreaks have led to school closures in Guangdong.

Why the Surge Now?

Several factors are contributing to the current rhinovirus surge. Seasonal patterns typically see increased rhinovirus activity during spring and early summer in China. Cold snaps — sudden drops in temperature — can weaken respiratory mucosal barriers, making it easier for the virus to invade. Additionally, reduced exposure to common viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic may have lowered population immunity, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “immune debt.”

As influenza activity declines, rhinovirus appears to be filling the ecological niche, according to experts cited in earlier reports.

Advice for the Public

Dr. Zeng advises that good home care and daily protection are the core measures for dealing with rhinovirus infection. Parents should encourage frequent hand washing and avoid taking children to crowded, poorly ventilated places to reduce the risk of cross-infection.

For children with noticeable nasal congestion or runny noses, saline nasal rinses can help clear secretions and soothe respiratory discomfort. Ensuring adequate hydration and rest is also essential for recovery.

However, doctors caution that if a child experiences persistent coughing, recurrent fever, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, these symptoms may indicate complications beyond a simple rhinovirus infection. In such cases, parents should seek immediate medical attention, as rhinovirus can occasionally trigger otitis media, bronchitis, or asthma exacerbations in vulnerable individuals.

What to Watch For

As the summer season progresses, health authorities will be monitoring whether the current rhinovirus surge peaks or continues to rise. The concurrent circulation of COVID-19 and enterovirus adds pressure to pediatric and respiratory medicine departments. While health officials emphasize that this is not a novel pathogen but a seasonal surge of a known virus, they continue to urge the public to practice good hygiene and seek professional medical guidance rather than self-medicating.

For now, the message from China’s doctors is clear: when it comes to rhinovirus, rest and proper care are more effective than a medicine cabinet full of the wrong drugs.