Unfortunately, many people are sick for the holidays this year. It’s common for colds and viruses to spread during chilly weather because the cold can dampen immune defenses and increase germs’ viability. Respiratory symptoms tend to include coughing, runny noses, and fevers. But this season, a recurring complaint is a severely sore throat alongside negative strep throat tests.
Medical experts believe many of these cases are being caused by adenovirus, a well-known family of viruses that can infect the respiratory system. While adenovirus itself is not new, it has been described as a “mystery” illness because it often mimics other infections and does not have a specific antiviral treatment or cure. Unlike strep throat, antibiotics are ineffective, leaving doctors to focus on symptom relief rather than targeted medication. Fortunately, there are still ways to manage and alleviate its effects.
What are Adenoviruses?
“Most patients who have had that really bad sore throat had adenovirus, a common virus that spreads throughout the year,” said Jefferson Health’s medical director Eric Sachinwalla to Philadelphia Magazine. Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that cause a number of infections, but the most common ones involve the respiratory system. Sachinwalla explains that experts do not know which subtype is making the rounds this year.
Fortunately, most of these infections are mild, but some can become severe, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. In fact, adenovirus outbreaks are most commonly found in children under four years of age, according to a 2016 review, especially in daycares. In this setting, kids and babies are in close contact with each other, and many of them frequently put things in their mouths and infrequently wash their hands. However, outbreaks can occur in any environment where people are in close proximity, such as school dormitories, public swimming pools, hospitals, and nursing homes.
According to the CDC, signs of adenoviruses go beyond typical cold symptoms. It can also come with pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, pink eye (conjunctivitis), and acute gastroenteritis (which involves stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting). More rare cases can involve bladder inflammation or infections (such as urinary tract infections) or neurologic diseases (such as meningitis and encephalitis).
In most cases, adenoviruses last for a few days up to a couple of weeks. Some symptoms, like coughing, may linger after that. Severe infections may take longer to heal. Unfortunately, having one adenovirus does not create immunity for the other viruses in this grouping. There are about 50 types in all, and they can target different parts of the body.
How to Recover from an Adenovirus
People may have experienced adenoviruses without realizing it. They may have assumed it was a common cold. The good news is that most cases of mild infections don’t need medical attention. In many areas, lab tests for adenoviruses aren’t routine, except in cases of an outbreak. There are no antibiotics or medications that can treat these illnesses. There are also no vaccines available to the general public. Fortunately, the body recovers on its own in the majority of cases. The priority should be resting and consuming plenty of fluids.
People may choose to relieve their symptoms with over-the-counter fever reducers. But this isn’t always the best course of action. “Not all fevers need to be treated with Tylenol or Motrin, either. A fever is actually a tool of your body’s immune system; it’s how we fight infection,” said Sachinwalla. “Still, if your fever is accompanied by body aches or chills, maybe you’ll want to turn to medication…”
If you have a weakened immune system or have severe symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider. These symptoms include difficulty breathing, dehydration, fevers lasting over five days, and fevers over 104°F (40°C). In babies and children, look out for fussiness, poor sleep, and reduced alertness or activity.
Prevention tips
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In addition to close proximity, adenoviruses can also spread through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. People may contract it if they touch a contaminated surface and touch their mouth, nose, or eyes. It can also be spread through stool, so a parent may become infected from changing a baby’s diaper. To further complicate matters, adenoviruses are resistant to many types of common disinfectants, and they can linger on surfaces for long periods of time, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Furthermore, people can continue to spread the infection for days or weeks after recovering from their symptoms.
To prevent getting sick, wash your hands often, using soap and water, and lather for at least 20 seconds. Keep away from individuals who are sick. Don’t touch your face unless you have just washed your hands. Clean and disinfect children’s toys, counters, sinks, and other frequently-used surfaces.
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How to Disinfect Adenoviruses
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Remember, adenoviruses are hard to remove with regular cleaners. So look for disinfectant products that are EPA-approved to work against adenovirus. Their active ingredients are typically quaternary ammonium, ethanol, isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium hypochlorite (also known as bleach). Here are some adenovirus-fighting items from EPA’s list:
- Danolyte from Danolyte Global Inc. (Leave on surfaces for 10 minutes to fully disinfect.)
- Panther Disinfectant from Maxill Inc. (Leave on surfaces for 3 minutes.)
- Claire Disinfectant Bathroom Cleaner from Claire Manufacturing Company. (Leave on surfaces for 10 minutes.)
- Dispatch Wipes from Clorox Professional. (Leave on surfaces for 1 minute.)
- ProSpray Wipes from Certol International LLC. (Leave on surfaces for 3 minutes.)
If you are already sick with adenovirus, avoid spreading it by staying home and away from others. Additionally, do not share eating utensils, cups, towels, or pillows with anyone. Carefully dispose of baby diapers and keep changing tables disinfected. Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, and sneezing and coughing into a tissue or your elbow (and not your hands).
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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