A social media user previously struck down by the dreaded adenovirus has issued a stern warning about the risk of mistaking the ‘highly contagious’ disease for the common flu.

For those unfamiliar with the DNA condition that’s been spreading through the world’s population for some time now, adenovirus is a bug that primarily affects a person’s upper and lower respiratory tracts.

It can, however, affect a number of other organs, including the eyes, the stomach, and the bladder.

According to Dr Deborah Lee at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, adenovirus is predominantly spread from either breathing in infected aerosol droplets, by inadvertently rubbing the virus directly into the eye, or via the faecal-oral route.

“It spreads rapidly in places where people are in close proximity,” she said.

Speaking to Cosmopolitan recently, she added: “The virus is resistant to soap and many other commonly used cleaning products.”

One former patient has spoken out on how bad the virus can be (Getty Stock Image)

Most indicators of this infection are symptoms we’ll already be familiar with, mimicking those commonly exhibited in flu cases – like a fever, a sore throat, a cough, a runny nose, enlarged cervical lymph nodes and shortness of breath.

The issue is, however, that these cross-overs have resulted in vast numbers of adenovirus patients putting their symptoms down to a common cold, which subsequently sees then being given incorrect or futile advice from their local GPs.

As we say, however, it isn’t just doctors and nurses that are sounding the alarm when it comes to overlooking the symptoms of adenovirus – or mistaking them for the flu – but former patients.

Taking to the discussion forum Reddit this week, one individual passionately responded to remarks from fellow users, who claimed the infection was nothing to feel concerned about and would blow over in a day or two.

“Isn’t this just a common cold? How do you know it’s adenovirus?” one user questioned.

In response, said user began: “Any of you saying ‘it’s just a common cold’ haven’t had this strain of the virus. I was very sick with adeno a couple of months ago. And that’s saying a lot because I have a 2 yo who is sick near constantly.

“Therefore so am I.”

The condition has a number of symptoms that are worse than those exhibited in cold cases (Getty Stock Image)

They went on to recall the bed-binding side effects they’d experienced, adding: “I was in bed for 2 days with a fever and the most swollen glands in my neck I’ve experienced in my adult life.”

Thankfully, however, they claimed they recovered from the condition ‘very quickly’.

Another user agreed with their original assertion, replying in the comments: “It s***s me to tears when people tell others to just get over it.

“We don’t know how sick that person feels. The same virus can hit two different people in completely different ways.”

Thankfully, there are several differences between this super-contagious infection and the common cold that potential patients can keep a look-out for, like issues surrounding the eye that either present as conjunctivitis or pink eye, characterised by grittiness, itching and watering, as well as possible blurry vision and watery discharge from the area.

Serious cases of adenovirus could also see patients battling gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, or general tummy pain, which aren’t typical in flu cases. Meanwhile, others have also been known to endure a painful urinary tract infection as a result of catching these germs.

The condition is considered much more serious than the common cold (Getty Stock Image)

“Those most at risk are babies and children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone who is immunocompromised,” Dr Lee also emphasised.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an ‘approved antiviral medicines or specific treatments’ aimed at treating adenovirus hasn’t yet been developed by medics.

With this in mind, prevention is key. If you’re a ‘vulnerable’ person that is worried about catching it, due to its high contagion rate, it’s advised that you stay at home.

Dr Lee also emphasised the importance of avoiding touching your face and nose, blowing your nose regularly into a clean paper handkerchief before throwing it into the bin, and regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water before drying them thoroughly.