GPs and pharmacists are noticing more cases of adenovirus \u2013 a respiratory bug that mimics flu symptoms such as a runny nose<\/a>.<\/p>\n Health experts warn that it is highly contagious, and can lead to more serious issues such as conjunctivitis, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.<\/p>\n Adenovirus has shown up in UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) data<\/a> in recent weeks, making the rounds alongside the seasonal spike in Covid and winter flu.<\/p>\n Ian Budd, the lead proscribing pharmacist at the Chemist4U online pharmacy, said reports about the spread of a \u201cmystery\u201d virus \u201cline up with what clinicians and public health bodies are seeing: adenovirus\u201d.<\/p>\n He said adenovirus was \u201ca group of common respiratory viruses that circulate widely\u201d, adding: \u201cThese viruses aren\u2019t new, but with multiple viruses circling right now, more people are noticing symptoms and heading to their GP.\u201d<\/p>\n What are the symptoms of the virus?<\/p>\n Adenovirus can feel a lot like a cold or flu, and most cases are fairly mild. The most common symptoms including a sore throat, runny nose, cough, fatigue and headaches.<\/p>\n But experts warned that the virus can last longer than the flu, going on for up to two weeks. Flu symptoms usually last around a week.<\/p>\n Adenovirus can also be more likely than flu to cause more serious symptoms like fever, conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal issues.<\/p>\n People have been urged to look out for conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, which causes red, gritty, watery eyes, and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.<\/p>\n \u201cSome of the viruses prefer your respiratory tract, whereas others can affect your eyes or gut,\u201d said Budd. \u201cAs they can infect different parts of your body, symptoms will often vary.\u201d<\/p>\n What can I do about the virus if I catch it?<\/p>\n There is no antiviral medicine or vaccine for the virus, say experts. But symptoms can be managed with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter painkillers or fever reducers.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t have a readily available vaccine for it,\u201d said Budd. He suggested that people see a GP if their symptoms are severe, or if they are in a high-risk group such as the very young, elderly, or immunocompromised.<\/p>\n \u201cMost people will get better with simple at-home care, but good hygiene and staying home when unwell will help protect everyone around you.\u201d <\/p>\n Adenovirus is \u201chighly contagious\u201d and spreads rapidly in places where people are in close proximity, according to Dr Deborah Lee at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy.<\/p>\n To avoid getting the virus, Dr Lee recommended to regularly wash hands with soap and warm water, avoid touching your face and nose, and consider wearing a mask when in crowded places.<\/p>\n Why are cases showing up now?<\/p>\n Adenovirus tends to spread more widely in the winter and early spring when people spend more time indoors.<\/p>\n Budd said the virus was \u201cshowing up more often\u201d, and may have become more common after the end of the Covid crisis.<\/p>\n \u201cWith Covid-19 restrictions lifted, and fewer people catching other viruses over the past few years, immunity in the community may be lower, leading to people becoming more susceptible,\u201d said the pharmacist.<\/p>\n \u201cAdenovirus isn\u2019t a new virus, it\u2019s just showing up more often alongside other winter bugs,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \t\tYour next read<\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SEI_278085382.jpg\")
Adenovirus can be more likely than flu to cause serious symptoms (Photo: Guido Mieth\/Getty)<\/p>\n
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