Final answer:
The symptom that distinguishes between rhinovirus and adenovirus infection is the presence of a sore throat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symptom that would allow you to distinguish between rhinovirus and adenovirus infection is the presence of a sore throat. Both rhinovirus and adenovirus infections can cause symptoms such as nasal secretions, congestion, coughing, and sneezing. However, adenovirus infections are more likely to result in a sore throat, while rhinovirus infections typically do not cause a sore throat. So, if a patient presents with a cold and has a sore throat, it is more likely to be caused by an adenovirus infection.