Rhiannon Ingle
A pharmacist has explained the real reason why the 'highly contagious' adenovirus is spreading so quickly.
Adenovirus most commonly affects your respiratory system and causes symptoms similar to the common cold or flu, with most infections being mild and only requiring symptom relief for treatment.
But these symptoms are pretty nasty indeed.
They include: cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat (pharyngitis), pink eye (conjunctivitis), ear infection (otitis media), swollen lymph nodes, chest cold (bronchitis) and pneumonia.
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We're seeing the virus sweeping across the UK right now with Ian Budd, Lead Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, explaining that the illness isn't actually new, but appears to be spreading rapidly this season.
"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," Budd told WalesOnline.
"These viruses aren’t new, but with multiple viruses circling right now, more people are noticing symptoms and heading to their GP."
The expert continued: "Adenovirus is a family of viruses that can infect people of all ages. They’re very common and usually cause mild illnesses, especially in children.
"There are dozens of types, and some of the viruses prefer your respiratory tract, whereas others can affect your eyes or gut. As they can infect different parts of your body, symptoms will often vary."
According to Budd, respiratory viruses like adenovirus 'tend to spread more widely in the winter and early spring when people spend more time indoors'.
"With COVID-19 restrictions lifted and fewer people catching other viruses over the past few years, immunity in the community may be lower, leading to people becoming more susceptible.
Adenovirus isn’t a new virus; it’s just showing up more often alongside other winter bugs," he added.
Now, a lot of adenovirus symptoms do overlap with a common cold, but Budd explains that '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," he added.
And as for how you can protect yourself?
Well, the pharmacist resolved: "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."