Although it feels like many of us are only just hearing about it, adenovirus has officially earned the title of this season's 'mystery illness' – and that tracks, given how many of our WhatsApp group chats are filled with people complaining about the exact same symptoms right now.
Because the symptoms of adenovirus read like a shopping list of every single winter bug combined (think a fever, runny nose, sore throat, and a dodgy tummy) it's notoriously hard to tell whether you're dealing with this pesky virus, a lingering strain of the flu, or just a really aggressive common cold.
If you're currently feeling poorly, or you're desperately trying to dodge the office germs so you can actually enjoy the arrival of spring in peace, we've got you.
We asked Dr Deborah Lee at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy to break down the exact tell-tale signs, and how to spot the difference between adenovirus, the common cold, and the flu...
How does adenovirus differ from the common cold?
As explained here, adenovirus is a virus that produces cold-like symptoms. Think of it like this: a 'cold' is the symptom, and adenovirus is one specific type of germ that causes it.
"Adenovirus is just one virus that can cause the common cold," notes Dr Lee. As well as adenovirus, Dr Lee says: "Many viruses can cause a cold, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and coronaviruses."
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Pinpointing what's actually causing your cold symptoms is tricky, however. "It's pretty much impossible for you or the doctor to know which virus is causing your cold symptoms," the expert goes on.
How does adenovirus differ from the flu?
"The flu can be extremely unpleasant, whereas adenovirus is usually mild," Dr Lee says of the differences between adenovirus and the flu. "The flu quite often comes on suddenly, over a period of hours, with a high fever and [intense] symptoms," she goes on.
As for what those flu symptoms are, Dr Lee notes that they may include:
- A high temperature (between 38°C and 40°C)
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- Dry cough
- Extreme tiredness
Unlike the flu, Dr Lee explains that adenovirus symptoms (if there actually are any, as many people are asymptomatic) tend to "come on gradually over a period of days."
Other key differences between adenovirus and the flu are:
- Adenovirus infection can occur all year round, whereas flu tends to occur in the winter
- Adenovirus is a common cause of pink eye, whereas influenza can cause red, irritated eyes
- Adenovirus commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, whereas influenza can do this, but less often
- Adenovirus is less likely to result in complications than the flu
How does adenovirus differ from the 'super flu' that's been going around lately?
Dr Lee says the current 'super flu' is "likely to cause even more dramatic symptoms", in comparison to those you'd get from adenovirus.
The expert explains the current 'super flu' is caused by the H3N2 virus and "causes more severe infection" than the more "common viruses" we usually see here in the UK. "Data shows that in the past, H3N2 viruses have been associated more often with hospital admissions and death from flu, in adults aged 65 and over and in young children, than other flu subtypes," she goes on.
If you've caught the 'super flu', Dr Lee says symptoms will include the typical flu symptoms as listed above, but "they may be more severe". Essentially, the symptoms associated with the 'super flu' are much rougher in comparison to the cold-like symptoms you'd get with adenovirus.
How to tell if you have adenovirus or the cold or flu
While the symptoms of adenovirus and the common cold overlap, the severity of the 'super flu' symptoms is unmistakable. That said, Dr Lee explains: "The only way to really know the cause of your symptoms is to have a swab taken by a medical practitioner. This may be from the nasal passage, throat, eye, urine, or faeces."
But, it's unlikely you'll need – or be offered – a test. "Because the vast majority of these viral infections are mild and self-limiting, this is rarely done," Dr Lee notes. "Treatment for any cold is symptomatic only."
The expert continues: "The only time you need to worry is in babies or young children, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with a weakened immune system."
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
