Adenovirus: how to avoid catching highly contagious 'mystery illness' spreading this winter
The NHS have warned the ‘worst is far from over’ 🏥
- Cases of seasonal illnesses are continuing to spread this winter.
- The NHS have warned that the ‘worst is far from over’.
- Adenovirus can cause similar symptoms to the cold and the flu.
The NHS have warned that the “worst is far from over”, as cases of seasonal illnesses “bounce back”, after the festive holidays and recent cold snap.
The latest figures show that the number of patients in hospital beds with flu has risen by 9% on the previous week. Whilst hospital admissions per day for Norovirus and Covid were also up on the previous week, and overall bed occupancy was up 5% on the previous week at just under 92%.
But it’s not just Covid, norovirus and the flu; cases of adenovirus have also been spreading this winter. Described as a “mystery illness”, adenovirus is actually very common, with most of us having an infection before we reach the age of 10.
NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said: “It’s clear that the worst is far from over for the NHS this winter, with hospitals again experiencing a rise in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory virus cases last week.
“Staff continue to work incredibly hard, and we are seeing teams across the country pulling out all the stops to ensure patients get the care they need. It remains important that people come forward for care as usual, and there are still plenty of opportunities to get vaccinated and get protected against flu.”
What is adenovirus?
Adenovirus is a group of viruses that can cause infections, most common in babies and young children, but you can catch it at any age.
It is highly contagious and spreads easily through close contact, with most people having had at least one adenovirus infection before they turn the age of 10.
There are over 50 different types of adenovirus, and while they commonly present as respiratory infections, they can also cause other illnesses, including conjunctivitis, lung infections, ear infections, and gastroenteritis.
What are the symptoms of adenovirus?
Adenovirus infections last from a few days to a week or two. The symptoms are usually mild and depend on where in the body you are affected by the infection. Respiratory symptoms are often similar to those of a cold or the flu and can include:
- Respiratory symptoms
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headaches/body aches
- Shortness of breath (less common)
How does adenovirus spread?
Adenovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily through close contact in settings such as schools, hospitals or care homes.
The infection is spread through close contact with someone who is infected, touching contaminated surfaces and then your mouth, nose or eyes, droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or contact with an infected person’s stool.
How to avoid catching adenovirus?
The best way to protect yourself from catching adenovirus is by practising good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and regularly disinfect surfaces and household objects if someone in your home is unwell.
Cases of seasonal illnesses are continuing to spread this winter. You can find out more about the signs and symptoms and how to stay healthy during the colder months at NHS.UK.