A highly contagious and currently untreatable virus is causing a significant spike in illness across the globe, leaving sufferers with a range of debilitating symptoms, health experts have warned.
What is the Adenovirus?
Speaking to PhillyMag, Dr Eric Sachinwalla, medical director of infection prevention and control at Jefferson Health, explained that the culprit is adenovirus. This is a group of common viruses present year-round but known to surge during the winter months.
While its symptoms can mimic the flu or COVID-19, Dr Sachinwalla confirmed a stark difference: there is currently no specific treatment for adenovirus. "It’s pretty contagious because it’s heartier than other viruses – soap and water, or everyday disinfectant, won’t kill it, so it tends to live in the environment longer," he stated.
How It Spreads and Its Eight Key Symptoms
The virus thrives in environments with close contact, leading to clusters of infections in places like daycare centres and military barracks. It can spread through the respiratory tract, be shed through stool, and survive on contaminated surfaces for extended periods.
Dr Sachinwalla outlined the eight primary symptoms, noting that adenovirus can attack multiple parts of the body:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Middle-ear infection
- High fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Diarrhoea
"It all depends on what strain it is — there are nearly 60 for adenovirus," he added. "We don’t necessarily know which subtype is causing illness right now."
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
With no direct treatment available, management focuses on relieving symptoms. However, Dr Sachinwalla offered crucial advice for those who fall ill. He suggested that if you are feeling worse by day three of your illness, it is a good reason to contact your doctor to determine if your condition warrants a professional assessment.
This global uptick serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by common viruses, especially during the colder seasons, and underscores the importance of vigilance regarding personal health.
