Which type of virus is most commonly associated with the common cold?

The rhinovirus is the most commonly associated virus with the common cold. It is a small, non-enveloped virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family and is known to infect the upper respiratory tract. Rhinoviruses are particularly adept at spreading in the cooler temperatures of the nasal cavity, making them well-suited to cause the typical symptoms of a cold, such as a runny nose, congestion, and sore throat.

While other viruses like the influenza virus and coronaviruses can cause respiratory symptoms, they are usually associated with more severe respiratory illnesses. Influenza often leads to more systemic symptoms such as high fever and body aches, while coronaviruses can be linked to various respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Adenoviruses can also cause cold-like symptoms, but they are less frequently the primary culprit in typical cold cases compared to rhinoviruses. Thus, the rhinovirus stands out as the primary cause of the common cold, accounting for a significant proportion of cases annually.