Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Adenovirus: Highly Contagious Mystery Illness Spreading Fast, Watch Out for These 12 Symptoms

adenovirus symptoms

The so-called “mystery virus” behind lingering sore throats, blocked noses filled with mucus, and days of exhaustion is actually well known to doctors. According to Eric Sachinwalla, medical director of infection prevention and control at Jefferson Health, the culprit is <span>adenovirus</span>.

What makes this virus particularly difficult to control is how tough it is. Adenovirus can survive soap and water, withstand many everyday disinfectants, and linger on contaminated surfaces for long stretches of time. Below is what experts know so far about this fast-spreading infection.

Adenovirus refers to a group of common viruses that usually trigger cold- or flu-like illness. It spreads easily because it is far more resilient than many other viruses. Ordinary soap, water, and standard disinfectants do not reliably destroy it, allowing it to persist in the environment. As a result, infections often cluster in places where people spend time close together, such as daycares and military barracks. The virus spreads through the respiratory tract, can be shed in stool, and can survive for some time on contaminated surfaces, according to the CDC.

<h2>Adenovirus: What Are The Symptoms Of Adenovirus?</h2>

“Adenovirus is a typical virus that causes common cold or flu-like symptoms,” says Dr Deborah Lee at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy.  That does not mean adenovirus is the same as a cold. Instead, adenovirus is one of many germs that can cause cold-like illness. A simple way to think about it is that a “cold” describes the symptoms, while adenovirus is one specific virus that can lead to them.

Symptoms can vary depending on the subtype involved. While there are more than 100 known subtypes, only 49 infect humans. Dr Lee notes that people may experience any of the following:

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Runny nose</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Swollen cervical lymph nodes in the neck</li><li>Cough</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Conjunctivitis</li><li>Ear pain</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Stomach pain</li><li>Urinary tract infection</li></ul>

“Adenovirus infection is highly contagious,” Dr Lee explains. “It spreads by breathing in infected droplets, by touching the virus and then rubbing the eyes, or through the faecal-oral route, often due to poor hand hygiene after using the toilet.”

She adds that the virus spreads quickly in crowded settings where people are in close contact. To eliminate adenovirus from surfaces, Dr Lee recommends stronger cleaning agents such as bleach-based solutions or hydrogen peroxide. “The virus is resistant to soap and many commonly used cleaners,” she says.

To reduce the risk of catching adenovirus or other respiratory infections currently circulating, Dr Lee advises staying away from people who are unwell. She also suggests the following precautions:

<ul><li>Avoid touching your face and nose</li><li>Use a clean tissue to blow your nose and dispose of it immediately</li><li>Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, then dry them thoroughly, especially after using the toilet or changing nappies</li><li>Clean children’s toys regularly</li><li>Disinfect worktops, changing areas, toilets, and bathrooms</li><li>Avoid sharing cups, plates, food, or towels</li><li>Wear a mask if you need to go out while unwell</li><li>Keep windows open and ensure rooms and workspaces are well ventilated.</li></ul>

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The so-called “mystery virus” behind lingering sore throats, blocked noses filled with mucus, and days of exhaustion is actually well known to doctors. According to Eric Sachinwalla, medical director of infection prevention and control at Jefferson Health, the culprit is adenovirus.What makes this virus particularly difficult to control is how tough it is. Adenovirus can survive soap and water, withstand many everyday disinfectants, and linger on contaminated surfaces for long stretches of time. Below is what experts know so far about this fast-spreading infection.What Is Adenovirus?Adenovirus refers to a group of common viruses that usually trigger cold- or flu-like illness. It spreads easily because it is far more resilient than many other viruses. Ordinary soap, water, and standard disinfectants do not reliably destroy it, allowing it to persist in the environment. As a result, infections often cluster in places where people spend time close together, such as daycares and military barracks. The virus spreads through the respiratory tract, can be shed in stool, and can survive for some time on contaminated surfaces, according to the CDC.Adenovirus: What Are The Symptoms Of Adenovirus?“Adenovirus is a typical virus that causes common cold or flu-like symptoms,” says Dr Deborah Lee at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy.  That does not mean adenovirus is the same as a cold. Instead, adenovirus is one of many germs that can cause cold-like illness. A simple way to think about it is that a “cold” describes the symptoms, while adenovirus is one specific virus that can lead to them.Symptoms can vary depending on the subtype involved. While there are more than 100 known subtypes, only 49 infect humans. Dr Lee notes that people may experience any of the following:FeverRunny noseSore throatSwollen cervical lymph nodes in the neckCoughShortness of breathConjunctivitisEar painDiarrhoeaVomitingStomach painUrinary tract infectionAdenovirus? Is It Contagious?“Adenovirus infection is highly contagious,” Dr Lee explains. “It spreads by breathing in infected droplets, by touching the virus and then rubbing the eyes, or through the faecal-oral route, often due to poor hand hygiene after using the toilet.”She adds that the virus spreads quickly in crowded settings where people are in close contact. To eliminate adenovirus from surfaces, Dr Lee recommends stronger cleaning agents such as bleach-based solutions or hydrogen peroxide. “The virus is resistant to soap and many commonly used cleaners,” she says.To reduce the risk of catching adenovirus or other respiratory infections currently circulating, Dr Lee advises staying away from people who are unwell. She also suggests the following precautions:Avoid touching your face and noseUse a clean tissue to blow your nose and dispose of it immediatelyWash your hands often with soap and warm water, then dry them thoroughly, especially after using the toilet or changing nappiesClean children’s toys regularlyDisinfect worktops, changing areas, toilets, and bathroomsAvoid sharing cups, plates, food, or towelsWear a mask if you need to go out while unwellKeep windows open and ensure rooms and workspaces are well ventilated.