News of a so-called "mystery virus" sweeping across the UK has left many worried about what's going around. But a pharmacist has reassured Britons it's not mysterious at all.
Experts say what we're dealing with is adenovirus, a group of respiratory viruses that have been around for ages.
"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," explains lead prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, Ian Budd.
While the viruses aren't new, they're showing up more frequently this winter alongside other seasonal bugs.
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Viruses like adenovirus spread much more easily during winter
|GETTY
There may be a few reasons more people are coming down with the illness right now; respiratory viruses like adenovirus spread much more easily during winter and early spring, when we're all spending more time cooped up indoors together.
With COVID-19 restrictions now a thing of the past and fewer people catching various bugs over recent years, our collective immunity has taken a bit of a hit.
"Immunity in the community may be lower, leading to people becoming more susceptible," explained Ian.
Add in the fact that multiple viruses are doing the rounds simultaneously, and it's no wonder more people are noticing symptoms and booking GP appointments.
Adenovirus symptoms can look pretty similar to a cold or flu, making it tricky to tell them apart. There are some telltale differences worth knowing about, however.
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Compared to your average cold, adenovirus is more likely to bring on a fever and conjunctivitis – that red, gritty feeling in your eyes.
Symptoms also tend to hang around longer than a typical cold.
When it comes to flu, the picture shifts a bit, as adenovirus usually causes less severe body aches and fatigue than influenza does.
Another key difference is that there are no vaccines available for adenovirus, unlike the flu jab many of us get each year.
Digestive symptoms like nausea and diarrhoea can also crop up with certain strains.
When it comes to protecting yourself, hygiene goes a long way. Ian recommends washing your hands properly for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water, and keeping your fingers away from your face before you've had a chance to clean them.
Hygiene offers good protection against the adenovirus
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Covering coughs and sneezes, wiping down door handles and phones regularly, and staying home when you're feeling rough all help stop the spread.
If you do catch it, rest and plenty of fluids are your best friends, along with paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches.
Antibiotics won't help since they don't work on viruses. See your GP if symptoms are severe, don't improve, or if you're in a high-risk group.
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