Which virus is primarily responsible for causing the common cold in humans?

Rhinovirus is primarily responsible for causing the common cold in humans. It is one of the most prevalent viruses associated with this condition, accounting for a significant percentage of cold cases. Rhinoviruses thrive in the upper respiratory tract, which is where they typically cause the symptoms associated with a cold, such as a runny nose, sore throat, and cough.

Understanding the characteristics of rhinoviruses helps to contextualize their role. They are highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person, particularly in crowded environments like schools and nursing homes. The virus's seasonal nature also means it is more common in fall and spring, leading to peaks in cold cases during these times.

This specific focus on rhinovirus distinguishes it from the other options, which are associated with different illnesses or have different modes of transmission and infection profiles. For example, the influenza virus is linked to flu symptoms that can be much more severe, Varicella-Zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles, and Streptococcus is a type of bacteria responsible for strep throat rather than viral colds.