risk it poses to those with preexisting conditions, rhinovirus has itself demonstrated an ability to act similar to an attenuated virus for stronger respiratory infection caused by other viruses. it has the ability, in milder infections, to promote antiviral immunity in the upper respiratory tract against other viruses such as influenza and sars-cov-2. rhinovirus has a mutation rate similar to that of influenza which, along with sars-cov2, has a vaccine treatment. rate of mutation is not what poses an issue to rhinovirus vaccination. rhinovirus genome has a high rate of variability in human circulation, even occurring with genomic sequences that differ up to 30%. recent studies have identified conserved regions of the rhinovirus genome; this, along with an adjuvanted polyvalent rhinovirus vaccine, shows potential for future development in vaccine treatment. prevention main article: common cold § prevention human rhinovirus can remain activated for up to three hours outside of a human host. once the virus is contracted, a person is most contagious within the first three days. preventative measures such as regular vigorous handwashing with soap and water may aid in avoiding infection. avoiding touching the mouth, eyes, and nose (the most common entry points for rhinovirus) may also assist prevention. droplet precautions, which take the form of a surgical mask and gloves, are the method used in major hospitals.