The Uncommon Cold Trivia Quiz

Answer: A virus of the family Adenoviridae

They are a group I virus, which means they have double-stranded DNA. There are 57 serotypes of adenovirus. One, adenovirus type-14, has been called the "killer cold" virus, because it produces severe symptoms and it led to deaths in Ireland in the 2000s, and it also led to many illnesses in the USA, including Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where one recruit died. The uncommon cold virus, adenovirus type-3*, tends to be less severe but can still cause many problems for the immune-compromised, the very young, and the very old.

*Other serotypes of adenovirus have also been called the "uncommon cold virus", but type 3 is the most common.

Answer: more severe

Not only are the symptoms of the uncommon cold more severe, but also, unlike the common cold, they may be fatal.

Answer: 1950s

It was first discovered in 1953 in the adenoids, a mass of enlarged lymphatic tissue between the back of the nose and the throat -- hence the name adenovirus. (Adenoids are often removed during a tonsillectomy).

Answer: arthritis

A wide spectrum of illnesses are associated with human infection by the adenovirus, from the head to the gut. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and even croup can be caused by the adenovirus as well, not to mention ear infections. It may also be mistaken for strep throat unless a culture is taken. An infected person may also develop diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an inflammation of the outermost layer of the eye. Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder. Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal chord. It's strange to think of a cold virus as producing these illnesses usually associated with bacterial infections!

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and whilst it has many causes, adenovirus is not one, although the virus can give you an achy feeling all over.

Answer: thinking bad thoughts

The virus is so infectious because it can live a long time on surfaces and can be transmitted through water. It can also be spread through sneezing, shaking hands, or touching infected bodily waste (although why anyone would do that is anybody's guess).

It's a little disconcerting to read that the uncommon cold can spread through swimming pools, like polio, but this is actually a rare occurrence.

Answer: Southern China

What was thought to be an outbreak in 2012 of SARS in China was in fact the uncommon cold caused by an adenovirus, according to a researcher at George Mason University named David Seto. (It turned out to be type 55 rather than type 3, but it was still labeled as "the uncommon cold" virus).

In addition to cities, the uncommon cold and the adenovirus may be found wherever people are concentrated, such as in schools, hospitals, and even military bases in the USA. In fact, Seto asserted that 99.9% of the respiratory problems found in the US military were caused by an adenovirus.

Answer: both of these

Although the adenovirus can live a long time on surfaces, it is not impervious to chlorine bleach or sufficient heat. Cleanliness will go a long way toward preventing the spread of the uncommon cold.

Answer: Yes

A vaccine against adenovirus type-3 was developed in 2009. We can thank researchers at George Mason University, the University of Hong Kong, Guangzhou Children's Hospital, the South China Institute of Technology, and the Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences for the vaccine.

There are also vaccines developed for types 4 and 7, but these were only for military personnel, and the vaccine ceased production in 1996.

Answer: False

Antibiotics will do absolutely nothing for viral infections; they only work for bacterial infections. There is no treatment specific to adenovirus, but if you develop the uncommon cold your physician can treat your symptoms and any complications that may arise.

Answer: Follow basic hygiene.

To avoid the uncommmon cold or any other viral infection, follow basic personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently, don't touch unwashed hands to the face, cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, and please use tissues, not your sleeves. Getting plenty of rest and eating properly will also strengthen your immunity, and keeping your swimming pool adequately chlorinated is a good idea, too.