While it has been four years since the COVID-19 pandemic ended up upending the whole world, a "mystery virus" has been blowing up on TikTok lately.
TikTokers Share of 'Mystery Virus'
Several people have been sharing videos about a "mystery virus" of some sort. The cases have been coupled with low anxiety levels.
TikToker Chris James Kahle shares that despite being healthy, working out every day, and not drinking alcohol, a random deep cough still surfaced. The TikToker questions if anything they are unaware of could be happening.
Several individuals also shared in the comments that they were experiencing similar, mysterious symptoms as well. Tons of similar video content have also been circulating across the platform.
Many have also reportedly tested negative for flu, COVID-19. and RSV. Despite this, they have been displaying symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, lousiness, and nausea. Some share that they have significant mucus production, while others share that they do not have any.
What an Infectious Disease Expert Has To Say
An infectious disease was tapped by Women's Health to shed light on the matter. According to Thomas Russo, MD, the chief of the infectious diseases division at the University of Buffalo, there are several respiratory viruses out there. The expert lists non-SARS-CoV-2, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses. All of these respiratory viruses can lead to symptoms in the respiratory tract.
Russo explains that unless one does an expansive molecular panel on selected hospitalized patients, these cases will remain mysterious. They could even result from allergies to different things, such as mold and dust.
The expert also notes that more people are familiar with symptoms since the debut of COVID-19. These individuals could also simply be experiencing anxiety regarding their symptoms, though these were not a big deal before the onset of the pandemic.
Russo advises those who exhibit symptoms of the mystery virus to first undergo COVID-19 testing. If the results are negative and if the person feels lousy, one can get in touch with a physician for flu testing.
For those with aches, pains, or fever, acetaminophen could work. It is also advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Russo advises those who start to feel better and then get worse again to reach out to their doctors. He shares that there are cases where secondary bacterial infections can stem from viral infections. In such a case, antibiotics would be necessary.
Dr. Sarah Bonza, a board-certified family physician, also says that practicing proper hand hygiene to hamper germ spread is a great way to start. She also advises increasing vitamin C intake and allotting time for rest in order to maintain the health and strength of the immune system.
Russo generally concludes that these symptoms are not something to be worried about, adding that the virus could just be a cold.
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