A ‘mystery virus’ has been affecting people across the UK
Tahira Ali and Vita Molyneux Travel reporter
21:03, 02 Jan 2026
A new mystery bug is affecting people(Image: Getty Images)
The Christmas period kicked off with sniffles sweeping across Britain alongside a viral influenza that took hold countrywide – yet the seasonal ailments haven’t concluded. Unfortunately, as we enter the new year, reports emerge of a “mystery virus,” triggering runny noses, persistent coughing, sneezing fits and digestive troubles.
Should you find yourself feeling poorly once more – perhaps even after battling the notorious ‘super flu’ – you might be contending with Adenovirus. Pharmacist Ian Budd from Chemist4U discussed with the Mirror how this particular bug has managed such widespread transmission.
He revealed that this “throat/respiratory bug lines up with what clinicians and public health bodies are seeing”, reports the Mirror.
Clarifying that this “mystery” ailment likely represents a variant of familiar respiratory viruses, Budd noted that Adenovirus appears to have surged given the sheer volume of individuals experiencing its effects and seeking GP consultations. Emphasising that this virus isn’t novel, the pharmacist explained that, “compared to a cold, Adenovirus can be more likely to cause fever and conjunctivitis, and symptoms can last longer”.
Here’s what you need to understand.
How it spreads
Transmitted between infectious individuals, Adenovirus has achieved such extensive circulation through various means, encompassing direct physical contact and airborne pathogen transmission. This might result from someone openly coughing or sneezing in your vicinity; handshakes; or the transmission of the virus from an item or surface you may have come into contact with, before subsequently touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with that same hand prior to having the opportunity to cleanse your hands.
Notably, the cdc.gov website indicates that infection can also arise through water, citing swimming pools with inadequate chlorine levels and even lakes as a possible route – although the site emphasises this is far less probable. Parents and guardians have additionally been cautioned that Adenovirus can be contracted through contact with an infected individual’s faeces, underlining nappy changes as another avenue for contracting this unpleasant bug.
Why have people contracted it immediately following the winter flu?
You might be questioning why Brits are developing the virus now, having endured the peak of the annual winter flu – and there’s one straightforward explanation. The festive season and flu epidemic has resulted in considerably more individuals confined indoors.
This, combined with the Christmas period, has meant increased close contact with those who might be unwell, or still harbour the virus.
Budd suggested that, “with 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”. The “shedding” of the virus to others can occur long after a sufferer has recovered from symptoms, especially between those with weaker immune systems.
Symptoms Adenovirus can lead to a variety of symptoms, many of which are similar to those experienced with the common cold and flu. These encompass:.
Less commonly known symptoms include inflammation or infection in the bladder and even neurologic disease (impacting the brain and spinal cord), although these are significantly less frequent.