. Adenovirus is a virus that can cause diseases affecting multiple body systems, with symptoms ranging from the common cold, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, to red eyes. Severity can range from mild to very serious. The infection rate is higher in children than adults, with severe cases seen in children with immune deficiencies or underlying respiratory or heart conditions. Adenovirus can spread year-round, unrelated to any particular season. . Adenovirus is a virus that can cause diseases affecting multiple body systems, with symptoms ranging from the common cold, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, to red eyes. Severity can range from mild to very serious. The infection rate is higher in children than adults, with severe cases seen in children with immune deficiencies or underlying respiratory or heart conditions. Adenovirus can spread year-round, unrelated to any particular season.
Adenovirus spreads through several routes: via aerosol droplets in close contact such as coughing or sneezing; through contaminated food and water (fecal-oral route); and indirect contact with contaminated objects (fomites). The virus can survive up to 30 days on environmental surfaces but can be eliminated by heat, formaldehyde, and bleach.
As mentioned earlier, adenovirus affects multiple body systems, so symptoms vary depending on the infected area. Commonly, fever occurs alongside sore throat, hoarseness, runny nose, cough, ear pain, red eyes, or diarrhea. Infants under 3 months may have severe symptoms. If a baby is lethargic or refuses to drink fluids or milk, caregivers should promptly seek medical care.
Adenovirus can be detected by collecting secretions from the nose, throat, or eyes for laboratory testing, or by testing stool samples.
Once infected with adenovirus, treatment is symptomatic. Parents should ensure the child gets enough rest, drinks plenty of fluids, have their nasal mucus suctioned or nose washed, and use fever reducers if needed. Severe cases require pediatric consultation and hospitalization for intravenous fluids, bronchodilator nebulization, or oxygen therapy. Patients with severe symptoms or underlying conditions are high-risk, and doctors may consider antiviral medication.
The best prevention against adenovirus infection is frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol gel, maintaining cleanliness in the home by wiping tables, chairs, and children's toys, avoiding crowded public places, and steering clear of close contact with infected individuals. Teach children to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing.or sneezing.
Information provided by Dr. Nawaporn Puangpakisiri, Pediatric Respiratory Specialist,Samitivej Children’s Hospital International (Sukhumvit)