If you haven't been home sick recently, you probably know someone who has. During cold and flu season, most people experience an illness that causes symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, lightheadedness, and congestion.
But in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these symptoms hit all at once, especially when you don't know what kind of “mysterious virus” is causing your illness. Sometimes it can be difficult not to worry.
“Everyone in America has some kind of virus, we don't know what it's called, we don't know where it came from, but somehow everyone is getting sick.” one TikToker said in a video that was joined by 1.7 million people. View.
“When I say everyone, I include myself,” says the TikToker who goes by @thatgirlkanesha. “I just had this so-called virus last week. I felt very, very dizzy. I felt nauseous. I felt like I was going to pass out. Similarly, all these symptoms don't apply to me at all.”
What is a “mysterious virus”?
The so-called “mystery virus” trending on TikTok does not appear to be a respiratory virus like COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or influenza. Additionally, some TikTokers have complained of problems such as blurred vision that do not fit the typical symptoms of these respiratory illnesses.
While this may seem alarming, there may be a quite simple explanation, says William Schaffner, MD, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
“In addition to the familiar and serious influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, many seasonal respiratory viruses are circulating during the winter months,” Dr. Schaffner says.
For example, most common colds are caused by rhinoviruses, Schaffner said. These are usually mild upper respiratory infections with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, headache, body aches, and cough.
Adenovirus, another disease that usually causes mild cold symptoms, could also be behind the “mystery disease” as it can lead to outbreaks, Professor Schaefer argues.
With such viral illnesses, “the vast majority of people recover after a few days,” Schaefer said.
What can reduce the symptoms of a mysterious virus?
Before thinking you have a “mystery virus,” people should get tested for the flu or COVID-19 to rule out these illnesses, Schaffner advises. This is because there are drugs that can help prevent serious illness, such as Paxlobid for the new coronavirus infection and Tamiflu for influenza.
“This is especially important if you belong to a group at higher risk of more serious complications, i.e. if you are over 65, have one or more chronic conditions, or have a weakened immune system. “,” Schaffner said.
If your test result is negative, the best thing you can do is drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.
When should I see a doctor?
Although many people recover from a viral infection within a few days without seeking medical attention, there are some cases in which medical attention is necessary.
“If you have a high or persistent fever, shortness of breath, or other worrisome symptoms, contact your health care provider,” said Peter Hotez, MD, professor of pediatrics, molecular virology, and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine. Please.” Director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.
“You may have secondary bacterial pneumonia or other serious bacterial infection and require antibiotics,” says Dr. Hotez.
Whatever virus you have, what should you do to protect others?
Whether you have a “mystery virus” or a respiratory illness such as COVID-19, influenza, or RSV, stay home as much as possible until your symptoms start to improve and your fever goes away. and avoid others. You don't need to take any fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours, Schaffner said. You should also wash your hands frequently.
These are among the new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. The CDC also recommends wearing a mask for five days after going out in public to minimize the risk of infecting others.
“All of these viruses are highly contagious,” Hotez said. “N95 and KN95 masks that are effective against the coronavirus are generally effective against other viruses as well.”
