What’s with the ‘razor blade throat virus’ people are complaining about?

PHOENIX — People returning from holiday travel are bringing home more than holiday memories. Videos circulating on TikTok show people describing a virus that makes their throat feel like they’ve swallowed razor blades.

But despite the barrage of videos claiming it’s a “mystery virus” of some sort, medical experts say it’s not rare or mysterious. It’s adenovirus, a common respiratory virus that can cause severe cold-like symptoms.

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“If we’re following seasonal patterns, we think in the next few weeks, we’re gonna see even more respiratory viruses,” said Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, medical director at OneMedical.

Adenovirus can be mistaken for the flu, but it’s generally a bad cold. Symptoms often include a runny nose and a severe sore throat.

“Unlike typical cold viruses, the symptoms for adenovirus tend to be a bit more severe, so people will get a runny nose, but they get a more severe sore throat,” Bhuyan said.

Some strains can cause other problems, including pink eye, ear infections, or diarrhea. But many strains trigger the respiratory symptoms that make people feel like they’re swallowing glass.

According to the CDC, which tracks respiratory viruses nationwide, adenovirus is not the most common virus in the area right now. Parainfluenza is more prevalent, with similar but typically milder symptoms.

There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for adenovirus. 

Doctors recommend washing hands, getting plenty of rest, and managing symptoms at home. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

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