‘Mystery throat virus’ sweeps globe as knowledgeable warns of ‘untreatable’ illness
If you’ve been hit with a sore throat, a slew of mucus or just generally feeling run down, you’re not the only one as one doctor reveals that a new virus is taking hold
A new and mysterious virus is ravaging the world as it leaves people feeling ill and run down. If you have felt fatigued, tired or suffered from a mysterious sore throat, there’s a chance you might have already had it.
Currently, with the weather taking a turn, Brits are already more likely to fall ill as we battle to stay healthy during the cold months. That, coupled with the superflu which is decimating NHS hospitals, has left Britain in a weak spot and unprepared for a new illness.
However, a new virus is appearing to rise and spread quickly, leaving a horrific trail of sick patients in its wake. Now, one doctor has revealed just what this mysterious condition is – and how it won’t be going away any time soon.
Speaking to PhillyMag, Eric Sachinwalla — Jefferson Health’s medical director of infection prevention and control – revealed that the world is being slammed with a condition known as adenovirus. The disease is a relatively common virus that is present throughout the year but spikes around winter.
He admitted, however, that while adenovirus is much like the flu or COVID, we currently have no way to treat adenovirus. As a result, if you are struck down with the virus, you may just have to surrender to the illness and let it ride its course.
According to Eric, adenovirus is dangerous due to how fast it can spread. “It’s pretty contagious because it’s heartier than other viruses – soap and water, or everyday disinfectant, won’t kill it, so it tends to live in the environment longer,” he explained.
Adenovirus crops up in settings where it is more likely to be dirty with heavy person-to-person contact, such as schools or military barracks. It also has the ability to live for some time on surfaces, and can be hard to get rid of.
Some of the symptoms of adenovirus include a runny nose, sore throat, a high fever and a shortness of breath. As well as this, it could also lead to things such as pinkeye and even diarrhoea, but this depends on which of the sixty different strains of adenovirus the patient has.
However, while these all may seem relatively easy to manage and care for, those who are more vulnerable should be taken to a hospital if they start showing these symptoms. He urged people call first to ask if it is okay to present at a GP or hospital first to minimise the risk of close contacts.
Most of these symptoms should start to dissipate after around 2 days, according to the medic. If it reaches three days and symptoms are not starting to go down, it may be worth getting checked as it could be a sign of something worse down the line.
Eric went on to say that there has been a steep rise in cases of the flu in the northern hemisphere so far, caused by a surge of cases in the southern hemisphere earlier this year. However, he added that with fewer people getting their flu shots this winter, it makes the illness more likely to spread.
In terms for how to fight the virus, Eric insisted that rest was the best way to recover. But he added that monitoring temperature should be vital, as it could indicate whether you need to go to the doctor, if the fever brings the body temperature to 40 degrees Celsius.
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