Abstract Background Rhinovirus (RV) is one of the most common etiologic agents of acute respiratory infection (ARI), which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young children. The clinical significance of RV co-detection with other respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), remains unclear. We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with ARI-associated RV-only detection and those with RV co-detection—with an emphasis on RV/RSV co-detection. Methods We conducted a prospective viral surveillance study (11/2015–7/2016) in Nashville, Tennessee. Children