In the latest warning from a medical expert in the United States, a highly contagious and incurable disease is rapidly spreading, causing a significant number of patients to exhibit symptoms similar to common cold or flu. Some patients have reported that they haven’t been this severely ill in many years.
According to a report by the Philadelphia Magazine, this disease manifests with severe sore throat, excessive phlegm, and prolonged fatigue lasting for days, and sometimes even weeks. It is being referred to as the “mystery throat virus.”
The magazine interviewed Dr. Eric Sachinwalla, the director of infection prevention and control at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, to understand why people are bedridden and how long it takes to recover. Dr. Sachinwalla mentioned that most patients with severe sore throat are infected with adenovirus, a common virus throughout the year. Unlike the flu and COVID-19, adenovirus is typically not tested for by healthcare providers as there are no effective treatments specifically targeting it.
Adenovirus is a group of common viruses that cause symptoms resembling cold or flu. It is highly contagious and more resilient compared to other viruses. Soap, water, or common disinfectants are often ineffective in killing it, allowing it to survive longer in the environment.
Due to adenovirus’s ability to attack various parts of the body, patients may experience a range of symptoms from sore throat, runny nose, cough to ear infections, high fever, and shortness of breath. It can even lead to conjunctivitis and diarrhea, depending on the virus strain, of which there are nearly 60 variants. Doctors may not always be certain which subtype is causing the illness.
For those generally in good health, if you feel unwell without symptoms like shortness of breath or high fever, home care and rest may be sufficient for recovery. Those who need medical attention include individuals with weakened immunity, parents with infants or toddlers, and those with underlying respiratory or heart conditions.
In case of illness, it is advised not to rush to the hospital but to first call for advice. If your symptoms suggest high infectiousness, remote medical consultations might be recommended by healthcare providers.
How long should you monitor symptoms at home? Dr. Sachinwalla suggests that if by the third day you feel worse, contacting a doctor to assess whether further examination is necessary is advisable.
He mentioned that viruses mutate frequently, resulting in numerous variants, which may explain the severity of symptoms this year. These variations could lead to more severe symptoms, making them harder to endure.
As an example, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients commonly reported loss of smell, a symptom now rare. Last summer, patients primarily experienced severe sore throats. Both the virus and its symptoms are constantly evolving.
Regarding home remedies, Dr. Sachinwalla emphasized the importance of rest, despite acknowledging it can be challenging for some. Staying well-hydrated is also vital.
Not all fevers require fever-reducing medications like Tylenol. Fever is the body’s immune response to infection, aiding in fighting off illnesses. However, if accompanied by body aches or chills, medication may be needed. Seek medical attention if the temperature reaches 103 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 or 40 degrees Celsius).
Dr. Sachinwalla further mentioned that he has yet to observe any rapid and effective methods to aid individuals in recovering sooner. Recovery may take several days, and while early use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) can sometimes shorten the duration of influenza by a day or two, adenovirus infections and similar illnesses typically require time for natural healing.
He stressed that practicing basic hygiene habits such as frequent handwashing and cleaning frequently-touched surfaces remains the best way to maintain health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States indicates that adenovirus is a common virus usually causing mild cold or flu symptoms. Persons of any age can be infected at any time during the year. Those with weakened immune systems or respiratory or heart conditions are more prone to severe illness from adenovirus infection.
Adenovirus can lead to various symptoms such as cold or flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, acute gastroenteritis, bladder inflammation or infection, and neurological diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord.
The virus is typically transmitted from an infected person through:
● Close contact like handshakes.
● Airborne transmission via coughing or sneezing.
● Contact with objects or surfaces contaminated with adenovirus, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes before washing hands.
● Contact with the infected individual’s feces (e.g., during diaper changing).
● Exposure to water like inadequately chlorinated pools or lakes, though less common.
The CDC encourages individuals to take simple steps to reduce the risk of adenovirus infection, such as maintaining good hygiene practices and accessing cleaner air. Regular handwashing is especially crucial in childcare and healthcare settings.