Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can cause various infections such as colds or flu.
Infections caused by this virus are known to vary, with some being mild and others being severe. Adenovirus infections most often affect the respiratory system.
In addition, this infection can cause symptoms similar to the common cold or flu.
Adenovirus can affect people of all ages, but infection is most common in children under 5 years of age.
However, most adenovirus infections are mild and only require symptom relief for treatment.
To date, researchers have identified about 50 types of adenoviruses that can infect humans.
However, the most common types of adenovirus are Adenovirus types 3, 4 and 7 which are most often associated with acute respiratory illness.
Meanwhile, adenovirus type 7 has been linked to more severe outcomes than other types of adenovirus, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Causes of Adenovirus Infection
Adenovirus infections are caused by the adenovirus itself. It's important to note that adenoviruses can spread in several ways, including:
Close contact.The virus can spread from person to person through shaking hands, kissing, or hugging.
Air. The virus can spread through droplets (saliva splashes) released from sneezing andcough.
The surface of things.After touching a contaminated surface, a person can be exposed to the virus by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth before washing their hands.
Feces (stool).The virus can spread through the feces of an infected person. For example, a person can become infected while changing an infected baby's diaper.
Air.The virus can spread through unchlorinated water. For example, if someone infected with adenovirus swims in a pool without adequate chlorine, they can spread the virus. However, this type of transmission is rare.
Adenovirus Risk Factors
Adenovirus can affect people of all ages. However, infections are most common in children under 5 years old due to their weakened immune systems.
In addition, several factors can also increase a person's risk of being exposed to this virus, namely:
Living or settling in crowded places, such as military barracks, hostels, dormitories, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Having a child who is attending preschool, because usually the playgroups are not very large, so they are crowded and there is a lot of close contact.
Having a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV or AIDS, children under 5, and the elderly.
Frequently traveling to areas or countries with poor hygiene and sanitation.
Having poor hygiene, such as rarely washing hands with soap and water after doing certain activities.
Symptoms of Adenovirus Infection
The symptoms of adenovirus infection experienced by a person will depend on which part of the body is infected with this virus.
However, this virus most often infects the body's respiratory system.
Adenovirus infection of the respiratory tract can cause symptoms similar to the common cold or flu.
Symptoms or conditions that may be experienced include:
Cough.
Fever.
Have a cold.
Sore throat (pharyngitis).
Pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Ear infection (otitis media).
Swollen lymph nodes.
Cold chest (bronchitis).
Pneumonia.
Not only respiratory, adenovirus can also affect the digestive tract.
Adenovirus infection of the digestive tract can cause diarrhea or possibly gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach or intestines).
This inflammation can cause stomach pain,diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
In rare cases, adenovirus can affect a person's bladder or nervous system.
The presence of a viral infection in the bladder can cause urinary tract infections.
Meanwhile, viral infections of the body's nervous system can cause conditions that affect the brain, including encephalitis and meningitis.
Diagnosis of Adenovirus Infection
If you have a mild infection, you may not need to see a doctor.
However, if you have severe symptoms, get your condition checked immediately.
Later, the doctor will perform laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis of adenovirus.
The doctor may also swab your nose or throat to collect a mucus sample.
Some types of laboratory tests to diagnose adenovirus infection are:
Blood test, by taking a blood sample.
Urine examination, by taking a urine sample.
Swab test, by taking a sample of mucus from the nose.
Stool test, by collecting a stool sample.
A chest X-ray uses radiation to create images of the inside of the patient's chest. This allows the doctor to get a closer look at the heart and lungs.
Adenovirus Infection Treatment
Treatment for adenovirus infection is symptomatic and supportive. To date, no antiviral drug has been proven to kill the virus.
However, there are several ways to relieve the symptoms, namely:
Drink plenty of fluids.People with this condition can lose fluids due to fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, leading to dehydration. Water or fruit juice are good choices for staying hydrated. You can also drink beverages containing electrolytes.
Relieves nasal congestion.When infected with adenovirus, sufferers may need to frequently blow their noses or mucus. For infants, spray a few drops of saline spray into their nose. Then, suction out the mucus with a bulb syringe.
Turn on the humidifier.Air humidity can relieve nasal congestion and help sufferers breathe more easily.
Lower the fever.Ask your doctor what medicines can reduce fever.
Adenovirus Prevention
A person can reduce the risk of getting sick with this viral infection by protecting themselves and their family.
Here are some ways that can be done to prevent this infection:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds. If soap is unavailable, you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent ethanol.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes if you haven't washed your hands.
Try to stay away from people who are sick and avoid crowds.
Clean and disinfect children's toys as often as possible.
Clean countertops, sinks and other hard surfaces with a mixture of bleach and water.
If you are already sick with this viral infection, take steps to prevent its spread, such as:
Don't leave the house if you are sick.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. Don't cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with your hands.
Wear a mask while at home.
Do not share eating utensils, glasses, towels and pillows with other people.
Keep your distance from other people, avoid hugging and kissing other people or family members at home.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Adenovirus Complications
Without proper treatment, adenovirus infection can cause several complications, namely:
Severe infection.
Chronic lung disease.
Intussusception.
Bronchiectasis.
Additionally, complications from this virus can include acute respiratory distress syndrome (which can develop from viral pneumonia) and viral meningitis (which refers to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord).
It should be noted that someone with a weak immune system or who has recently undergone an organ transplant and is infected with adenovirus may also experience more severe complications.