If you haven’t been ill yourself this festive period, you likely know of at least two people who have been. In the lead-up to Christmas and afterwards, a “mystery virus” has been sweeping the UK.
This bug causes coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and even gastrointestinal issues. But what is it that is making everyone so ill? Ian Budd, lead prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, has revealed exactly what strain of illness is running wild through the UK and how you can protect yourself and your family from it. He 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 illnesses that infects people of every age group and can look like a cold or the flu. They are more common in children, but anyone can catch them.
Ian said: “Compared to a cold, adenovirus can be more likely to cause fever and conjunctivitis, and symptoms can last longer.”
However, when compared to the flu, adenovirus doesn’t cause as much fatigue and body aches. There is also no readily available vaccine for it.
The reason why everyone seems to be catching it now is because over winter people spend more time indoors, meaning closer proximity to people who might be sick.
Ian said: “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.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
