The odds are fairly high that everyone around you is currently sick.
But you’re not imagining things if it seems like your typical sore throat is worse than usual.
A “mystery throat virus” is going around, leaving people down and out for the count — and offering no real treatment.
Rather than one single bug, adenovirus is a group of common viruses that can cause illness and anywhere from mild to severe infection throughout the entire year.
But while this cold spreads as easily as any other — through coughing or sneezing or by touching a contaminated surface — it could be catching like wildfire because of how viruses mutate and form different variants.
But experts warn this flu-like infection is heartier than the common cold for another reason.
“Soap and water, or everyday disinfectant, won’t kill it,” Eric Sachinwalla, medical director of infection prevention and control at Jefferson Health, told Philadelphia Magazine. “So it tends to live in the environment longer.”
Sachinwalla further explained why so many people may be coming down with a rougher-than-usual sore throat.
“Unlike flu and COVID, which we can consider treating with prescribed medications, we don’t often test for adenovirus because there’s no real treatment for it,” he said.
The symptoms may seem similar to rhinovirus, rhe cause of the common cold.
However, there are slight differences. While rhinovirus mostly affects the nose and throat, adenovirus can affect the whole body, leading to anything from a cough and runny nose to diarrhea and vomiting, and even pink eye.
And while the common winter cold can last for a week on average, this more severe year-round virus can stick around for a couple of weeks.
But despite it being harder to kill, there are ways to recover from this tough strain.
If you’re experiencing mild symptoms, it’s best to stay home as you’re still contagious. Go see a doctor if you have severe signs or if you’re immunocompromised or have a medical condition like lung or heart disease.
But two of the best things you can do for any type of cold are to stay hydrated and rest up, despite the busy holiday season.
You can also stock up on cold and flu must-haves like ibuprofen, decongestants and even supplements to boost your immune system.
There are also ways to prevent catching a cold, even if someone coughs or sneezes on you.
It’s recommended to wash your hands, avoid touching your face, flush out your nose with a nasal spray and wear a mask in crowded places.
