Adenovirus Infections- Pulmonary And Respiratory Medicine
Adenovirus
Human adenoviruses can lead to several conditions, including pneumonia, acute bronchitis, pink eye, the common cold, and other ailments. However, it usually causes mild disease, and often symptom relief is the only treatment required.
Understanding Adenovirus
Several illnesses that resemble the flu or the common cold can be brought on by the common virus called adenovirus.About 50 different forms of adenoviruses that can infect people have been discovered by researchers. Although adenovirus infections can happen at any time of the year, they usually peak in the winter and early spring. The severity of conditions can range from moderate to severe, but serious illness is uncommon.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adenoviruses can cause a number of illness, including:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Common cold
- Pneumonia
- Conjunctivitis, or pink eye
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Acute bronchitis
- Acute gastroenteritis
- Inflammation of the stomach or intestines
Most adenovirus infections, according to research, are asymptomatic. People who catch these viruses might not exhibit any symptoms.
Numerous adenoviruses can lead to major outbreaks, according to the CDC. They consist of the following:
- Adenovirus types 3, 4, and 7: cause severe respiratory diseases.
- Adenovirus type 14: also causes severe respiratory infections and is more common in US military personnel.
- Adenovirus types 40 and 41: primarily affect children and cause gastroenteritis.
- Adenovirus types 8, 19, 37, 53, and 54: cause extremely contagious conjunctivitis.
Who Can Get Adenovirus Infection?
Anyone is susceptible to catching adenoviruses. Yet youngsters under the age of five are most frequently affected. This is because adenoviruses commonly transmit to infants and young children at daycare centers where babies and kids are kept in close proximity. Also, they are less likely to wash their hands often and more likely to put things in their mouths.
In adults, adenoviruses can spread in a crowded environment. For example, you may be more likely to get the virus if you spend time in a dorm or military housing. Hospitals and nursing homes are other places where the virus commonly spreads.
You are more likely to become seriously ill from an adenovirus infection if you have a compromised immune system. This includes those who have undergone organ or stem cell transplantation and HIV/AIDS and cancer patients. You also have a higher probability of developing a serious infection if you have heart or respiratory problems.
Symptoms Of Adenovirus Infection
Depending on which part of your body the virus infects, you may have different signs and symptoms of adenovirus infection. The virus typically infects your respiratory system. Adenovirus infections in the respiratory tract can produce symptoms comparable to the flu or the common cold. Conditions or symptoms you might experience include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat (pharyngitis)
- Pneumonia
- A runny nose (rhinitis)
- Infected ears (otitis media)
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Swollen lymph nodes (adenopathy or lymphadenopathy)
- Chest cold (bronchitis)
- Diarrhea (gastroenteritis)
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Rarely it may also lead to the following:
- Urinary infection
- Infection of the brain (encephalitis)
- Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
Adenovirus symptoms typically last a few days to as long as two weeks. Severe infections could last longer. You can experience symptoms like a cough that lasts for quite some time.
The sections below will go into greater detail about a few possible disease symptoms.
Viral pneumonia
Adenovirus 3, 4, 7, and 14 can potentially cause viral pneumonia. The virus most frequently brings on pneumonia in recipients of bone marrow or organ transplants.
The American Lung Foundation states that the signs and symptoms of viral pneumonia develop gradually, which include the following:
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- A piercing or stabbing ache in the chest that gets worse when you cough or inhale and exhale deeply
- Headache
- Shortness of breath, with shallow and rapid breathing
- Weakness and fatigue
The symptoms of viral pneumonia frequently worsen after a few days of the outset.
Depending on their skin tone, some people may get a high temperature, and their lips may turn somewhat blue or slightly purple. Seek medical help if this happens.
Respiratory symptoms
According to studies, most individuals with an adenovirus infection display the same respiratory symptoms. However, according to the CDC Website, adenovirus types 3, 4, 7, and 14 can cause several respiratory diseases.
The following are the commonly reported symptoms:
- Cough
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- A runny nose
Keratoconjunctivitis
Keratoconjunctivitis, or inflammation of the conjunctiva, is a highly contagious infection. The condition can be brought on by the adenovirus types 8, 19, 37, 53, and 54.
The inner upper and lower eyelids, as well as the white area of the eye, may become red. Other signs of keratoconjunctivitis include the following:
- Itchy eyes
- Eye irritation
- Intermittent blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
Studies show that keratoconjunctivitis often starts in one eye before spreading to the other. Usually, it affects the second eye less severely. Symptoms may last for up to three weeks; however, people are contagious only in the first two.
Acute gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis is a common illness. This condition may be brought on by adenovirus types 40 and 41. The following are some signs of acute gastroenteritis:
- Three or more episodes of loose or watery diarrhea every day
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- High fever
Acute bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs leads to acute bronchitis. This condition can be brought on by adenovirus types 3, 4, 7, and 14. Signs and symptoms include the following:
- Cough with mucus
- Feeling uneasy
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- A runny nose
- Fever
- A sore throat
Is Adenovirus Contagious?
Adenoviruses spread easily and quickly by:
Intimate contact
Hand shaking, kissing, and embracing are ways the virus can pass from one person to another.
Sneezing and coughing
The virus can be air borne.. Sneeze, cough, and other respiratory droplets can spread the virus to other people through the air.
Surfaces and objects
After touching a contaminated surface and before washing your hands, the virus can be caught by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.Adenoviruses are immune to a variety of widely used disinfectants. As a result, they can remain infectious for a very long time on surfaces.
Stool
An infected person's stool may carry the virus. For instance, you might contract an infection while changing your baby's diaper.
Water
Some adenoviruses, particularly types 4 and 7, can spread through water. Unchlorinated water can help the virus spread. For instance, someone sick with adenovirus can spread the infection by swimming in a pool without enough chlorine. However, this kind of spread is uncommon.
Adenoviruses can occasionally spread even when a person shows no symptoms. If the recipient has a weakened immune system, it can be simpler to catch an adenovirus from someone who is symptom-free.
Furthermore, even after you have recovered from an infection, these viruses might continue to shed or discharge from your body for days or even weeks. Thus, even if you are symptom-free, the infection can still spread.
How Is Adenovirus Infection Diagnosed?
You most likely do not need to see your doctor if you have a minor infection. However, consult your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe.
They could request laboratory tests to confirm an adenovirus diagnosis, but adenovirus testing in the lab is uncommon. To obtain a sample of your mucus, they could take a swab from your nose or throat. They may also prescribe lab tests if there is an outbreak in your town.
Treatment Of Adenovirus
There are no specific drugs that treat adenovirus infection. As most infections are minor, symptom alleviation is all that is needed. Most symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers and fever reducers. Furthermore, remember to get enough rest and to hydrate well.
Treatment with antiviral drugs is ineffective in those with robust immune systems. An adenovirus is resistant to antibiotics.
See your doctor if you have severe symptoms or a compromised immune system. You could require hospital treatment to aid in your recovery from a significant infection. Rarely you would need treatment with an antiviral drug such as cidofovir or ribavirin.
Viral pneumonia
The aim of treatment is to lessen the symptoms. For instance, you could try the following:
- Managing the fever with aspirin
- Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
- Drinking hot beverages
- Consuming a lot of liquids
- Taking steam
- Resting
Respiratory infection
The type of respiratory infection a person has will usually determine the course of treatment. The following, however, can aid with symptom relief:
- Resting
- Using decongestants
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking lozenges
- Inhaling steam from a steam inhaler or hot bath
- Using humidifiers
- Drinking hot liquids
Keratoconjunctivitis
Keratoconjunctivitis does not seem to have a cure. Nonetheless, you can focus on minimizing the symptoms by using the following:
- Cool compresses
- Artificial tears
- Topical antihistamines
Acute gastroenteritis
A person with gastroenteritis must stay hydrated and replenish their lost electrolytes. Another option is to take antiemetic drugs like bismuth subsalicylate.
Acute bronchitis
The typical recovery time for acute bronchitis is three weeks. Treatment aims to reduce symptoms while the body battles the virus.
You could try the following:
- Staying hydrated
- Getting plenty of rest
- Using a humidifier
- Inhaling steam
- Using a saline nasal spray.
- Taking lozenges.
Complications
The outlook for an adenovirus infection is good if you are otherwise healthy. The condition will pass with rest and other supporting measures, and you will recover soon.
Nonetheless, mortality rates in immunocompromised individuals might reach 70%. Therefore, go to your doctor as soon as you start experiencing symptoms.
How To Prevent Adenovirus Infection?
You can lower your risk of contracting an adenovirus infection by protecting your family and yourself. Ensuring adults and kids frequently wash their hands is a simple preventative technique. Use soap and water to regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
The best practice is to wash your hands:
- Before eating food
- After using the restroom or helping someone use it
- Before and after preparing food
- After changing a diaper
- Before and after touching someone who has diarrhea or is vomiting
- Before and after treating wounds
- After touching any garbage
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing the nose
- After touching an animal, animal waste, such as cat litter or animal food
Other ways to prevent infection include:
- Staying away from sick people
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose if your hands are not washed
- Washing and sanitizing your child's toys frequently
- Cleaning worktops, sinks, and other hard surfaces with a bleach-and-water solution.
If you already have the adenovirus, take action to stop its spread.You can keep other people safe by:
- Staying at home if you are sick
- Using a tissue or your elbow to sneeze and cough. Never sneeze or cough into your hands
- Not using other people's plates, glasses, towels, or pillows
- Do not embrace or kiss
- Frequently washing your hands
Vaccination
The general public does not presently have access to any adenovirus vaccines. For certain virus types, the military utilizes a vaccination. The vaccine is only given to military members with a higher risk of illness. The vaccine has not been given FDA approval for usage outside of the military.
The adenovirus vaccine is a live virus that can be excreted in the stool. This means that it can be released from your body. The virus can infect other people if it is transmitted. Researchers have not yet investigated the vaccine's effectiveness and safety in the general population. Also, it has not been tried on those with compromised immune systems.
When To See A Doctor?
Most adenovirus infections will go away on their own swiftly. However, it is crucial to contact your doctor if you or your child exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- The symptoms get worse
- A fever higher than 104°F (40°C) or lasts more than a few days
- Agitation or restless sleep
- It becomes challenging to drink fluids
- Dehydration
- Breathing becomes very difficult
- Already suffering from a severe illness or having a compromised immune system
- Reduced alertness or activity
References:
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