Adenovirus: warning signs of 'mystery illness' with symptoms worse than a cold
Described as a ‘mystery illness’, cases of adenovirus have been rising 🤧
- Cases of adenovirus are increasing.
- As respiratory illnesses circulate during winter, symptoms can overlap with the cold and flu.
- Ian Budd, Lead Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, outlines what adenovirus is and the symptoms to look out.
It’s been a challenging winter so far, with cases of the flu peaking in December after an early start to the flu season.
As respiratory illnesses circulate more widely during winter, symptoms can overlap with the cold and flu.
Described as a “mystery illness”, cases of adenovirus have been rising, with the latest data from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) reporting cases “increased to 1.7% compared with 1.2% in the previous week”.
Ian Budd, Lead Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, has outlined what adenovirus is and how people can protect themselves and manage symptoms at home.
Ian said: “What we’re seeing in the news, often called a ‘mystery virus’ or a fast-spreading throat/respiratory bug, lines up with what clinicians and public health bodies are seeing: adenovirus, a group of common respiratory viruses that circulate widely. These viruses aren’t new, but with multiple viruses circling right now, more people are noticing symptoms and heading to their GP.”
What is adenovirus?
Adenovirus is a family of viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages. They are very common in children and usually cause mild symptoms. There are over 50 different types, and while they commonly present as respiratory infections, they can also affect the gut, eyes, urinary tract or nervous system.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of adenovirus will depend on where you are affected by the infection; symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or the flu and can include:
- Respiratory symptoms
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headaches/body aches
- Shortness of breath (less common)
Depending on the type of infection, other signs can include conjunctivitis, ear infections in children or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Ian said: “Compared to a cold, adenovirus can be more likely to cause fever and conjunctivitis, and symptoms can last longer. Compared to the flu, adenovirus infections typically cause less intense body aches and fatigue, and we don’t have a readily available vaccine for it.”
How to avoid catching or spreading adenovirus?
There are some steps you can take to protect yourself from catching an adenovirus. This includes washing your hands regularly with warm soapy water, avoiding touching your face before washing your hands, covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, staying home if you feel unwell, cleaning surfaces often, such as door handles, phones, and TV remotes, and wearing a face mask in high-risk settings.
Ian added: “Adenovirus is not a new threat, but with more respiratory viruses circulating, it’s showing up more often. Most people will get better with simple at-home care, but good hygiene and staying home when unwell will help protect everyone around you.”
There are plenty of illnesses going around this winter. You can find out more about how to look after yourself during the colder months at NHS.UK.