Adenovirus: how to identify, treat and prevent infections of this type?

Adenovirus is the name given to a family of pathogens in the class Adenoviridae . There are more than 50 types of viruses in this group, which are generally responsible for respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, bronchitis and pneumonia, but which are also capable of causing conjunctivitis and even intestinal problems, especially in children. ¹

In most cases, adenovirus infection is mild and does not pose any major risks to the patient, requiring only supportive treatment to alleviate symptoms.  ¹

On the other hand, certain groups are more vulnerable and can develop more serious conditions, such as immunocompromised people and infants and breastfeeding babies. ¹

To promote knowledge about adenovirus and, mainly, how to prevent and treat the diseases caused by them, we have put together this practical guide on the subject. Read and stay informed!

What is adenovirus?

As mentioned, adenovirus is a family of viruses capable of causing infections in the respiratory, digestive tract and, on certain occasions, in the eyeballs. Currently, there are seven species known to affect humans, with approximately 57 distinct serotypes, each associated with certain types of disease. ^two

^{Among the most common diseases caused by adenoviruses, 1} stands out :

• cold;
• primary pneumonia;
• bronchitis;
• bronchiolitis;
• conjunctivitis;
• gastroenteritis;

In general, the variant of the virus responsible for the contamination determines the type of infection and the symptoms presented.  ¹

Transmission can occur through the air or through contact with contaminated secretions and feces. Depending on the serotype, contaminated water also serves as a transmitting agent, especially when visiting swimming pools or bathtubs that are not properly sanitized. ¹

Read also: My son has the flu, what can I do to make him better?

What are the symptoms of adenovirus?

When you have a strengthened immune system , adenovirus infections are usually asymptomatic or, at least, very mild. On the other hand, people with low immunity suffer from more intense and worrying conditions, which mainly affects children, especially babies who only feed on breast milk.  ¹

See some of the main symptoms of adenovirus and in which situations they usually occur.

Fever

Fever is a symptom of adenovirus that mainly affects children who develop this infection. ¹

As children’s immunity does not yet have antibodies and does not have a fully effective response, due to the immaturity of the organism, children become sick more frequently and may suffer from more intense symptoms. ¹

As explained, babies up to six months old are more vulnerable. As they grow, the immune system gradually strengthens, increasing resistance against infections. ¹

Among the infections caused by adenoviruses that can cause fever in children, we can highlight ¹ :

• pharyngitis;
• otitis media;
• tonsillitis;
• childhood cold ;
• bronchiolitis;
• bronchitis;

Sore throat

Sore throat occurs in diseases such as pharyngitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis, which affect the upper part of the esophagus and trachea. The symptom is also noted in allergic reactions and other respiratory infections to the pathogen. ¹

In general, the respiratory mucosa is a common target for this type of virus. For this reason, throat irritation is usually one of the first discomforts caused by a health problem. ¹

Cough

Along with irritation and pain in the throat, coughing accompanies many cases of adenovirus infection. The reasons are the same, that is, the respiratory system is one of the most affected and exposed to this type of pathogen. ¹

Runny nose

A runny nose, also called rhinorrhea or runny nose, occurs when the secretion becomes more voluminous and abundant, running down the nostrils or towards the back of the throat.  ¹

This mucus serves to transport antibodies and defense cells to infected areas, therefore, it is a common response of the immune system to fight the adenovirus, as well as other pathogens. It is a recurring symptom of respiratory infections. ¹

Muscle aches

One of the biggest threats posed by adenoviruses is their ability to infect practically any type of tissue, generating secondary inflammation and causing discomfort throughout the body. ¹

It is in this context that muscle pain appears, which is almost always accompanied by fatigue, malaise and weakness. When the symptom is severe, it can disrupt your routine and prevent you from carrying out common daily tasks. ¹

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an infection of the thin membrane that covers the eyeball, called the conjunctiva. It can have bacterial or viral origin, which can be caused by adenoviruses, among other families of viruses. ¹

In these cases, the eyes become irritated, red, swollen and painful. Depending on the severity of the condition, there may be an accumulation of secretion, eventually leaving the eyelids stuck together when waking up, and increased sensitivity to light. ¹

Diarrhea

After the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal system is another frequent victim of viruses caused by adenoviruses. In this case, the infection can unbalance the intestinal flora and cause diarrhea, especially in children. ¹

In scenarios of this type, it is very important to reinforce fluid replacement to combat the risk of dehydration. Parents of young children, especially those who use diapers, need to be careful when changing and cleaning their little ones, as contaminated feces transmit the virus ¹ .

Other Less Common Adenovirus Symptoms

In addition to the symptoms mentioned, adenovirus can also cause ¹ :

• headache;
• abdominal pain;
• joint pain;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• rashes and other skin irritations.

As mentioned, the symptomatology depends on the part of the body affected and the efficiency of each person’s immune system. ¹

How to differentiate the adenovirus from the flu or cold?

The adenovirus is one of the pathogens that can cause the common cold, which in adults usually causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, headache and sore throat. The flu is caused by the Influenza virus, which generally causes a stronger infection, including symptoms such as fatigue, chills and fever. ¹

Among children, it is more difficult to distinguish the conditions, as little ones also have a fever when they have a cold.  ¹

However, it is impossible to differentiate infections and make a diagnosis just by observing the symptoms. Only laboratory tests, such as PCR and serological tests, can identify the pathogen causing the disease.  ¹

What is the treatment for adenovirus?

In most cases, adenovirus treatment is done only to alleviate symptoms, as there are no specific medications to combat this type of virus. Therefore, it is recommended to adopt the following precautions ¹ :

• rest;
• avoid contact with other people;
• drink plenty of water;
• prefer a light diet, with soups, broths, chicken soups and teas;
• take painkillers to relieve pain;
• take antipyretics to reduce fever;
• take anti-allergy medications to relieve various symptoms, such as runny nose, cough, throat irritation and nasal congestion.

Remembering that the use of medications must be guided by the doctor and should not be carried out on your own. This care is even more important when treating infections in children, as there are medications that, if used incorrectly, can harm children’s development. ¹

Should I see a doctor if I have suspicions?

In general, there is no reason to worry about suspected adenovirus infection, as the condition is usually mild and only requires supportive treatment to alleviate symptoms. However, you can seek medical attention to advise on the use of medication or if you have risk factors or signs of a serious infection. ¹

As mentioned, the groups at highest risk of serious infection are ¹ :

• premature babies and infants;
• people with cancer:
• people who have received transplanted organs;
• immunosuppressed people, such as those with the HIV virus.

Warning signs, again, vary depending on the type of infection. In general, we can highlight ¹ :

• signs of severe dehydration, such as paleness, prostration and loss of skin elasticity;
• difficulty breathing;
• skin and the region around the mouth turn bluish or purplish, especially in babies;
• fever that does not go down;
• persistent symptoms that do not improve with medication or as the days go by;
• persistent diarrhea and vomiting;
• signs of hemorrhage;
• loss of appetite;
• low blood oxygenation (hypoxemia).

How to prevent adenovirus infections?

In general, adenovirus prevention follows recommendations similar to those made famous by the covid-19 pandemic. They are ¹ :

• wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible;
• when you cannot clean your hands with soap and water, use alcohol gel;
• avoid sharing personal objects, such as glasses, bottles and cutlery;
• take good care of personal hygiene after changing children’s diapers, whether they are sick or not;
• when coughing or sneezing, cover your face with the inside of your elbows;
• If you have symptoms, avoid contact with other people to avoid infecting them.

Conclusion

To conclude the post, we will highlight the most relevant points that were presented ¹ :

• adenovirus is a family of pathogens with at least seven species and more than 50 different strains;
• is one of the main causes of viruses in children;
• in most cases, it causes an asymptomatic infection or with mild symptoms;
• people with low immunity are more at risk of suffering more serious conditions;
• premature babies, infants, and young children also have recurrent adenovirus infections;
• treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preserving well-being;
• the respiratory system is the main one affected by this type of virus, followed by the gastrointestinal tract;
• Reinforcing personal hygiene and strengthening immunity are the most effective preventive measures against adenovirus.

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