The “mystery virus” that has been causing sore throats, mucus-infested noses, and fatigue lasting for days is no stranger to the medical world, according to Eric Sachinwalla, Jefferson Health’s medical director of infection prevention and control. The villain of the story, he said, is the adenovirus.
What makes the situation tricky is the fact that this highly contagious virus can survive soap and water, as well as everyday disinfectants, and can remain on contaminated surfaces in the environment for a long period of time.
Symptoms and impact
While the Adenovirus is well-known to medical professionals, what causes a headache is the fact that people can be affected by it all year round. With symptoms similar to those of the flu or a common cold, these viruses can cause mild to severe infections throughout the body, mostly affecting an individual's respiratory system.
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There are around 50 types of adenoviruses that can infect humans. As per the Cleveland Clinic's official website, the symptoms you experience depend on which part of your body the virus infects. Coughing, fever, a runny nose, a sore throat, conjunctivitis, ear infections, and swollen lymph nodes were listed by the website as common symptoms. In rare cases, an adenovirus infection in a person's gastrointestinal tract may cause diarrhoea.
"Most adenovirus symptoms last from a few days to up to two weeks. Severe infections may last longer," the Cleveland Clinic said. Speaking to Phillymag, Dr Eric Sachinwalla said that there is no standard test for adenovirus because "there’s no real treatment for it." "It’s pretty contagious because it’s heartier than other viruses — soap and water, or everyday disinfectants, won’t kill it," he added.
Recovery
Since viruses often mutate, it is possible that the variant of Adenovirus spreading across the world this season has become strong enough to restrict healthy individuals to their beds for a day or two, he said. As in the case of the common flu, getting adequate rest and remaining hydrated are key to a swift recovery.
"Unfortunately, nothing I’ve seen is a quick fix. Sometimes, it just takes several days to feel better," Sachinwalla told Phillymag. Jefferson Health is a US-based, multi-state, non-profit health system whose flagship hospital is the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Center City, Philadelphia.