Adenovirus
About adenovirus infections
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that the membranes (tissue linings) of the respiratory tract can infect eyes,
Intestinal and urinary tracts. They account for about 10% of acute respiratory infections in children and are a common
Cause of diarrhea.
Adenovirus infections much more frequently than adults in babies and young children. Childcare and schools
sometimes several cases of respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases caused by adenovirus.
Adenovirus infections can occur at any time of the year but:
Respiratory symptoms are caused by adenovirus more frequently in late winter, spring and early summer
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) and pharyngoconjunctival fever caused by adenovirus tend to older children, mostly affect the
Summer
Adenovirus infections can affect children of any age, but most occur in the first few years of life - and most children have
at least one before the 10th Of age. There are many different types of adenoviruses, so some children may have repeated adenoviral
Infections.
Signs and symptoms
Depending on which part of the body is affected to vary the signs and symptoms of adenoviral infection:
Febrile respiratory disease, an infection of the respiratory tract with fever is the most common result of adenoviral
Infection in children. The disease often occurs flu-like symptoms and can of pharyngitis (inflammation of the include
Throat, or sore throat), rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa or a stuffy, runny nose), cough and swollen
Lymph nodes (glands). Sometimes the respiratory infection is acute otitis media leads to an infection of the middle ear.
Adenovirus often affects the lower respiratory tract as well as what bronchiolitis, croup, or viral pneumonia, which is
rare, but can cause serious illness in infants. Adenovirus can also be a dry, harsh cough that can resemble
Whooping cough (pertussis).
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and the small and large intestine. Symptoms include watery diarrhea,
Vomiting, headache, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Genitourinary infections: urinary tract infections can cause frequent urination, burning, pain, and blood in the urine.
Adenoviruses are also known, called a hemorrhagic cystitis, which is characterized by blood in the fact cause
Urine. Hemorrhagic cystitis usually resolves on its own.
Eye Infections:
Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) is a mild inflammation of the conjunctiva (membranes, the eye and the inner surface of cover
the eyelids). Symptoms include red eyes, discharge, watery eyes, and the feeling that there is something in the eyes.
Pharyngoconjunctival fever, often seen in small outbreaks among school-age children, occurs when adenovirus affects both the
Lining of the eye, and the respiratory tract. Symptoms include very red eyes and a severe sore throat, sometimes
accompanied by mild fever, runny nose and swollen lymph nodes.
Keratoconjunctivitis is a severe infection (the transparent front part includes both the conjunctiva and the cornea
of the eye) in both eyes. This type of adenovirus infection is extremely contagious and is most common in older children
and young adults, the red eyes, photophobia (discomfort of the eyes upon exposure), blurred vision, watery eyes,
and pain.
Contagiousness
Adenovirus is highly contagious, so more cases are in close contact with common settings such as day care centers, schools,
Hospitals and summer camps.
The types of adenoviruses that cause respiratory and intestinal infections from person to person through respiratory spread
Secretions (coughing or sneezing) or fecal contamination. Spread through fecal contaminated water, eating
contaminated houseflies and poor hand washing (as after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food or
After dealing with dirty diapers).
A child could also pick up the virus by the hands or toy to share with an infected person. Adenovirus can survive
Surfaces for long periods of time, so indirect transmission can occur through exposure to the contaminated surfaces of furniture
and other objects.
The types of adenovirus causing conjunctivitis can be transmitted through water (in lakes and pools) by
contaminated objects (such as towels or toys), or by touch.
Once a child is exposed to adenovirus develop symptoms usually 2 days later to 2 weeks.
Treatment
Adenovirus disease often resemble certain bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. But antibiotics
do not work against viruses. To diagnose the true cause of the symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed, your
Doctor may want respiratory or conjunctival secretions, a stool sample test or a blood or urine sample.
The doctor will decide on a course of action on the child's condition. Adenovirus infection does not usually required
Hospitalization. However, babies and toddlers can not drink enough to be able liquid to replace what they lose
during vomiting or diarrhea, and so might have to deal with the hospital or to prevent drying out. Even young people (especially
premature) infants with pneumonia usually need to be hospitalized.
In most cases, the body of a child, by means of the immune system is to get rid of the virus in the course of time. Antibiotics
can not treat a viral infection, so it is best to only make your child more comfortable.
If your child has a respiratory infection or fever, plenty of rest and take in extra fluids are essential. A
cool mist humidifier (vaporizer) may help solve congestion and make your child more comfortable. Be sure to clean and
Dry the humidifier thoroughly every day to prevent bacterial or mold contamination. If your child is under the age of 6 months,
You need to delete his or her nose with saline nasal drops and a bulb syringe.
Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicine or cough medication without consulting your doctor. You can
Paracetamol, a fever (your doctor will tell you the correct dose) to treat, but do not give aspirin because of the
Risk of Reye's syndrome, a life-threatening disease.
If your child has diarrhea or is vomiting, increase fluid intake and check with the doctor about giving an oral
Rehydration solution to prevent dehydration.
To alleviate the symptoms of conjunctivitis, use warm compresses and if your doctor recommends them, a topical ointment or
falls.
Time
Most adenoviral infections last from a few days to a week. But:
severe respiratory infections may last longer and cause persistent symptoms, such as coughing
Pneumonia can be anywhere from 2-4 weeks
Conjunctivitis may persist for several more days to a week
severe keratoconjunctivitis may take several weeks
Adenovirus can cause diarrhea, for up to 2 weeks (longer than other viral diarrhea episodes)
Prevention
There is no way to completely prevent adenoviral infections in children. To reduce its spread, parents and other caregivers
should encourage frequent hand washing, keeping common areas (such as countertops and toys) clean and remove children
Infections from group settings until the symptoms are.
When to call the doctor
Most of these adenoviral disease and its symptoms are also associated with other causes. Call your doctor if:
Fever continues more than a few days
Symptoms seem worse after a week
Your child has breathing problems
Your child under the age of 3 months
swelling and redness around the eyes becomes more severe or painful
Your child shows signs of dehydration, such as appear tired or lacking energy, produce less urine or tears or
with a dry mouth or sunken eyes
Remember, you know your child best. If he or she seems to be seriously ill, do not hesitate to call your doctor
removed.