Rhinovirus appeared associated with a significant number of hospitalizations and emergency department visits, according to study results. The virus also appeared to significantly affect adults who either smoke or live with a smoker, according to the researchers.

The analysis included 2,351 Tennessee residents aged 18 years and older who either entered the ED, an outpatient clinic or became hospitalized for ARI from December 2008 to May 2010.

Patients with rhinovirus had a greater risk for wheeze compared with participants without the virus.