Adenovirus: Symptoms and Causes, who are at Risk and Prevention

Adenovirus
Why is AdenoVirus being in the News?

Officials said on Tuesday that at least five children admitted with respiratory illness died in two State-run hospitals in Kolkata since Monday, highlighting the impact of adenovirus-related respiratory illness. "Two children died at the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, while three died at the B C Roy Post Graduate Institute of Paediatric Sciences. Adenovirus was found in one of them. "The results of the other tests are pending," said a senior health department official.

Despite the fact that the state health department has yet to release any figures on the death toll, a senior official stated that approximately 1,200 children are currently admitted to various hospitals throughout the state. The state's department of health issued a new guideline on Tuesday, instructing all medical colleges and hospitals, district hospitals, and subdivisional hospitals, among others, to operate pediatric acute respiratory infection (ARI) clinics 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is Adenovirus Disease?

Adenovirus is a common virus that can induce cold or flu-like symptoms. Adenoviruses which can infect humans have been identified by researchers. Adenovirus infections occur all year, but they peak in the winter and early spring. Infections can vary in severity, but serious illness is rare. The respiratory system is the most commonly affected by adenovirus infections.

All such diseases' symptoms may resemble those of a common cold or flu. Most viral diseases are minor and only require symptom relief.
Adenovirus: Who is at Risk?

Adenoviruses can infect people of all ages. Nevertheless, they are most frequent in children under the age of five. Adenoviruses are commonly spread in childcare centers between many newborns and young toddlers. Babies and children are in close proximity in this situation. According to the Cleveland Clinic report, children are also more likely to put objects in their mouths and wash their hands less frequently.

Those who have had stem cell or organ transplants, as well as those with cancer or HIV/AIDS, are also eligible. If you have heart or respiratory problems, your probability of contracting a severe infection increases. Adenoviruses can spread in adults in crowded environments, and the virus is also regularly transmitted in nursing homes and medical facilities.
Symptoms and Causes of Adenovirus:

The symptoms of an adenovirus infection vary depending on where the virus infects your body. The virus infects your respiratory system the most frequently. Adenovirus infections in the respiratory tract can mimic common cold or flu symptoms. Among the symptoms or conditions, you may be experiencing are:
 
  • Chest Cold (Bronchitis)
  • Cough
  • Ear Infection
  • Fever
  • Pink Eye
  • Pneumonia
  • Runny Nose
  • Sore Throat
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
Adenoviruses can also cause problems with your digestive tract. Diarrhea could be caused by a gastrointestinal infection. You might also get gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is a stomach or intestine inflammation. It has the potential to cause stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Adenoviruses can, on rare occasions, affect your bladder or nervous system. UTIs can be caused by viruses in your bladder. Viruses in your nervous system can cause brain conditions. Encephalitis and meningitis are two of these conditions.
How does Adenovirus Spreads?

Adenoviruses spread rapidly. They can easily spread through shaking hands, kissing, or hugging.

Sneezing and coughing can both spread the virus. Respiratory droplets from sneezes and coughs can spread through the air to other people.

You can get the virus after touching a contaminated surface by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands.

An infected person's stool can spread the virus. You could become infected while changing your baby's diaper, for example.

Unchlorinated water can spread the virus. For example, if a person infected with adenovirus, swims in a pool with insufficient chlorine, they may spread the virus. This type of spread, however, is uncommon.

Many common disinfectants are ineffective against adenoviruses. As a result, they can remain infectious on surfaces for extended periods of time.

Furthermore, these viruses can be shed from your body for days or even weeks after you've recovered from an infection. As a result, even if you no longer have symptoms, the virus can continue to spread.
Prevention of Adenovirus:

According to the CDC, adenoviruses and other respiratory problems can be prevented by following a few simple precautionary measures:
 
  • Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Hands that have not been washed should not be used to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Avoid direct contact with sick people.
If you are sick, you can help others through the following:
 
  • If you're sick, remain indoors.
  • Cough and sneeze into something like tissue or your shirt's upper sleeve, not your hands.
  • Drinks and eating utensils should be shared as little as possible.
  • Try not to kiss other people.
  • Always clean your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially when using the restroom.
  • Hand washing is especially important in childcare and healthcare settings.
Diagnosis of Adenovirus:

In most cases, a diagnosis can be made by signs and symptoms without the need for a laboratory test. The PCR test may detect adenovirus DNA in blood or respiratory secretions when a diagnosis needs to be confirmed, such as in severe disease. An adenovirus can be isolated from cells in a laboratory by growing them in a culture.

In addition to whooping cough, influenza, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial virus, other conditions appear similar to them. The presence of an adenovirus does not necessarily mean that the disease is associated with the virus since this virus can remain excreted for long periods of time.
Adenovirus Treatment:

According to the CDC, there aren't any certified antiviral prescription drugs or treatment options for adenovirus infections. The vast majority of adenovirus infections are mild and may be treated with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers.

If you are experiencing serious symptoms and a compromised immune system, see your doctor. You may require hospitalization to recover from a severe infection.


AdenoVirus in the News   AdenoVirus   What is Adenovirus Disease   Who is at Risk from Adenovirus   Symptoms and Causes of Adenovirus   How does Adenovirus Spreads   Diagnosis of Adenovirus   Adenovirus Treatment   Prevention of Adenovirus  


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