Millions of people have been feeling ill in the last few weeks
A pharmacist has explained the ‘mystery virus’ sweeping the UK with symptoms worse than a cold or flu – and has given advice on how to avoid it. Millions of people have been falling ill this winter with colds, flu, Covid, RSV, norovirus – and now a ‘new’ threat.
Ian Budd, Lead Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, says the illness isn’t actually new, but appears to be spreading rapidly this season.
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.
“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.
“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.”
Common symptoms and what to watch out for
“Adenovirus symptoms can look a lot like a cold or flu, but there are some patterns:
Respiratory symptoms
- Shortness of breath (less common)
Other possible signs
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis) – red, gritty, watery eyes
- Ear infections – especially in children
- Gastro symptoms – nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea with some strains
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
- Wash your hands regularly with the proper technique advised by the NHS for 20+ seconds with warm, soapy water
- Avoid touching your face (especially your eyes, nose or mouth) before washing your hands
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
- Make sure to stay home if you’re not feeling well
- Clean high-touch surfaces often, such as door handles, phones, and TV remotes
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded or high-risk settings
What can you do if you do catch adenovirus?
- There’s no specific anti-viral drug for adenovirus for the general public
- Rest, fluids, and symptom relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever/pain)
- Antibiotics won’t work as they don’t treat viruses
- See a GP if your symptoms are severe, don’t improve, or if you’re in a high-risk group (very young, elderly, immunocompromised)
Ian said: “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.”
