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Adenovirus is a pathogen that is often responsible for viral infections in children and adults. It mainly attacks the respiratory, digestive and visual systems. It is easy to get infected with it, therefore it is important to prevent it. People with reduced immunity, children and pregnant women should exercise particular caution.
Adenovirus – contagiousness
Adenoviruses are common viruses that most often attack the body of children up to 5 years of age. Adults are less likely to suffer from infections they cause. Usually they owe it to a childhood disease caused by these pathogens.
Adenovirus can enter the body through droplets or in the absence of personal hygiene (washing hands after using the toilet, washing hands before a meal). The greatest risk of spreading adenovirus to other people is in places such as kindergartens, nurseries, swimming pools and hospitals.
Adenovirus – types of infections
Diseases caused by adenoviruses mainly affect the eyes (conjunctiva, cornea), the digestive system and the respiratory tract. The symptoms of infection vary depending on which system is affected. However, it is worth mentioning that the developing disease may be accompanied by a rash. The course of adenovirus infection it is usually mild. This means that even acute symptoms resolve spontaneously after a while and in most cases without complications.
The pharmaceutical industry has yet to develop drugs to combat adenoviruses. To cure the disease they cause, it’s good to focus on specific symptoms and administer supportive measures.
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Adenovirus – inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea
Eye infections can accompany adenovirus disease of the upper respiratory tract, but they also occur independently of them. People who wear contact lenses and public pools are susceptible to contamination of the conjunctiva and cornea with these pathogens. The symptoms of adenoviral conjunctivitis include redness and irritation of the eyes, photophobia and sometimes hemorrhagic changes. If the inflammation affects the cornea, it may become cloudy and we can see white spots on its surface. The duration of infection is on average 2-3 weeks. Ailments can be soothed with eye drops or other specifics prescribed by a doctor.
Adenovirus – respiratory infections
Diseases caused by the presence of adenoviruses in the respiratory system are similar to the common cold or flu. Standard symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, pharyngitis, cough, rhinitis, and general weakness. Conjunctivitis may also appear. Less frequent are lower respiratory infections that can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia. If we are wondering how long the adenovirus disease lastsusually the symptoms last no longer than 5 days. It is best to soothe them temporarily by resting, moisturizing the throat, using cough expectorants or nasal decongestants.
In the case of upper respiratory tract infections, you can also try throat lozenges with ivy and plantain.
Adenovirus and rotavirus – infections of the digestive system
Adenoviruses are quite a common cause of gastrointestinal infections. Even so, they are not as widely known as rotaviruses. Although the two groups of viruses differ in frequency, both could be to blame for the appearance of poisoning. But how are they different?
Rotavirus is a pathogen that has a bad reputation, especially among new parents. It is the main cause of viral diarrhea in children under 5 years of age. Often they appear unexpectedly. Accompanying symptoms are vomiting, high fever and rapid dehydration. The severity of rotavirus infections occurs in the autumn-winter period, so it is worth using preventive vaccinations.
The situation is slightly different with adenoviruses. There is no vaccine for them, and infections occur all year round, regardless of the season. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, patients may also show additional respiratory symptoms. It also happens that adenovirus carriers experience no symptoms.
Are adenoviruses dangerous?
Most of the diseases caused by adenoviruses are mild. However, this does not mean that complications never occur, especially among certain risk groups. In people with weakened immunity, there are cases of inflammation of the bladder, lungs, liver, kidneys or multi-organ infections. Meningitis and intestinal diseases are also possible.
It can also raise a lot of concern adenovirus in children. Most often, however, there is no need to worry. Within a few days of the onset of symptoms, the disease should disappear. Infants with complications such as pneumonia are at greater risk. Infection is also a risk for pregnant women if the disease causes excessive body weakness or other health complications. This applies not only to adenoviruses, but also to other viral infections.