Highlights
- Prior rhinovirus infection is associated with a 48% reduction in subsequent COVID-19 risk.
- Recent rhinovirus infection correlates with a nearly 10-fold lower SARS-CoV-2 viral load in infected individuals.
- Increased expression of antiviral airway genes, induced by rhinovirus, underpins this protection.
- Children, having higher rates of rhinovirus infection and antiviral gene expression, may experience milder SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Background
