Last updated on March 6th, 2023 at 10:13 am
West Bengal is now dealing with a worrisome issue as a result of increase in the incidence of flu-like symptoms among the youth brought on by adenovirus. According to reports, Adenovirus has been seriously affecting the youth since December last year.
Unfortunately, the state health administration has yet to count the exact number of adenovirus-related fatalities, but unconfirmed estimates indicate that more than 1 in 10 children may pass away from colds and respiratory problems that are common adenovirus symptoms.
What is Adenovirus?
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can cause infections. Adenovirus infections can affect children of any age, but they are more common in infants and young children. Most children have contracted an adenovirus infection at least once before the age of 10.
There are many different types of adenovirus, so people can be infected more than once. These viruses do not have a season or time when they infect more, like the flu virus. Adenovirus infection can occur at any time of the year.
What diseases can adenovirus cause in children?
Adenovirus is a common cause of fever and illnesses such as:
- Cold
- Conjunctivitis
- Group
- Inflammation of the windpipe
- Pneumonia (or pneumonia)
- Gastroenteritis
- Bladder infection
- Meningitis and encephalitis
Most infections are mild, but severe infections can occur, especially in infants and people with weakened immune systems. There are some types of viruses that are associated with more serious diseases.
What are the signs and symptoms of adenovirus infection?
Symptoms of adenovirus infection vary depending on the type of adenovirus and the part of the body affected. Symptoms are most similar to those of the common cold, such as fever and sore throat; runny and stuffy nose; and cough.
Adenovirus infection can also cause:
- Eye redness and pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- Stomach ache
- Passing urine more than usual, burning sensation while urinating, Blood in the urine
- Headache
Are adenoviruses contagious?
Adenoviruses are very contagious. Their infections are common in places where there is direct person-to-person contact, such as daycare centers, preschools, schools, hospitals, and summer camps.
Adenoviruses are spread through droplets that are expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Infection can be spread by fecal (or poop) contaminated water, soiled diapers, or poor hand washing. Outbreaks of adenovirus at summer camps have been associated with contaminated pool or lake water.
A child can also get an Adenovirus infection by touching an infected person. Adenoviruses can survive on surfaces for long periods of time. Therefore, these infections can be contracted through contact with contaminated toys, towels, and other items.
Symptoms usually appear 2 days to 2 weeks after exposure to the adenovirus.
How is adenovirus infection diagnosed?
The symptoms of adenovirus infection are similar to those of many other infections. No tests are usually necessary to make the diagnosis if symptoms are mild. If a person has a severe infection, a doctor may perform tests using their respiratory or conjunctival (eye) secretions, or a sample of blood, stool, or urine, to confirm the diagnosis.
Doctors also test for adenovirus when an outbreak of adenovirus is suspected. (An outbreak is when many people have the same type of symptoms at the same time.)
How is adenovirus infection treated?
Most adenovirus infections get better by treating them at home:
- Very comfortable
- Drink enough fluids
- Use paracetamol if the fever makes the patient feel unwell.
- Using a humidifier or saline drops in case of nasal congestion
Infants and young children with vomiting and/or diarrhea who are unable to drink enough fluids may need treatment for dehydration.
Infants (especially newborns and premature babies), people with weakened immune systems, as well as children and adults with severe adenovirus infection, may require antiviral drugs and hospital treatment, including intravenous fluids (VI), Oxygen and other respiratory treatments may be involved.
How long does an adenovirus infection last?
Most adenovirus infections last from a few days to one to two weeks. Severe infection can last for a long time and cause persistent symptoms such as cough.
Can adenovirus infection be prevented?
To help reduce the spread of adenovirus infection, parents and other caregivers should:
make sure they and their children wash their hands thoroughly and often
keeping shared surfaces (such as tables, countertops, and toys) clean
Keep infected children away from daycare or school until their symptoms subside.
teaching children to cough and sneeze into their shirt sleeves or tissue; never in the hands
When should I call the doctor?
- If your child is sick and:
- High fever or fever that lasts for more than a few days
- Shortness of breath
- Ss not yet 3 months old or has a weakened immune system
- Have red eyes, eye pain, or vision changes
have vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration, such as urinating less or wetter diapers than usual, a dry mouth, sunken eyes, and feeling tired or lethargic
Remember that you know your child best. If your child seems very ill, call your doctor right away.
Disclaimer– This information is taken from the sources available on the internet. Consult an expert for any information.