What are Adenoviruses?
Adenovirus infection is a group of viruses that is widespread among children and adults and can affect various organs and systems.
Adenoviruses cause numerous infections that can affect several vital organs and systems, including the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system, and eyes. These viruses are not only contagious, especially among children, but also highly resistant to the environment.
Routes of Adenovirus Transmission
Adenovirus infection spreads through various routes, especially by contact and respiratory droplets. Transmission can occur through direct person-to-person contact, as well as via contaminated objects and water.
Human-to-human transmission: Viruses are mainly spread through hands. For example, an infected person touches their inflamed eye and then shakes hands with another person. If that person later touches their own eyes or mouth without washing their hands, the virus can be transmitted to them. Sneezing or coughing by an infected person also contributes to the spread of the virus.
Transmission through contaminated objects, food and liquids: The virus spreads through door handles, stair railings, faucets, shared towels, eye drops, and eye ointments. Ophthalmic devices such as cameras, optical toys, and tonometers also carry a risk of transmission. Contaminated water sources, especially inadequately treated drinking water and swimming pools, can contribute to the spread of adenoviruses.
At room temperature, adenoviruses can remain infectious on surfaces for several weeks.
In some cases, adenoviruses are transmitted through the feces of infected individuals.
Adenovirus - Signs and Symptoms
The signs of adenoviruses can vary depending on which organ or system the virus affects. The eyes, respiratory, and digestive systems are the most commonly targeted areas. Below, you can find the symptoms that may appear in each organ and system:
Eye: The main change that can occur in the mucous membrane of the eye is inflammation of the eyelid and cornea. In this case, the following symptoms are observed:
Redness in one or both eyes;
Swelling of the mucous membrane;
Sensation of a foreign body in the eye, itching, tearing, sensitivity to light;
Swelling of the eyelids, enlargement of the preauricular lymph nodes;
After 1 week, spread to the cornea is possible.
Respiratory tract: Symptoms may begin with mild fever resembling flu and cold.Involvement of the upper respiratory tract can cause sore throat and cough. In the later stages, it can become more severe and develop into respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.), and may show symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain.
Digestive system: Adenoviruses also affect the digestive system, causing symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If these symptoms persist for a long time, they can lead to excessive fluid loss from the body.
Incubation period and infectiousness
The incubation period and contagious duration of adenovirus infection demonstrate how stealthy and persistent this virus can be. The disease appears a few days after infection, and infectivity can persist for a long time.
The disease appears 5–12 days after infection.
Infectiousness begins with the first symptoms and usually lasts at least 2 weeks.
Adenovirus diagnostics and tests
Accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of adenovirus. The presence of adenovirus can be detected using various testing methods. Diagnosis is confirmed by identifying viral antigens in appropriate samples. If viral antigen is detected in the sample, the diagnosis is established. Antigen determination in a feces sample is possible by express and other methods.
What should you pay attention to during rotavirus disease?
There are some important rules to follow to alleviate symptoms and prevent spread during adenovirus infection.
Below are the main points that you should pay attention to in your daily life during adenovirus disease:
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for adenoviruses; only symptom relief is possible;
- Avoid touching your eyes and other mucous membranes with your hands, as this can spread the virus;
- Maintain personal hygiene and wash hands with soap and water;
- Personal hygiene items—towels, creams, and other products—should not be shared with others;
- You can go to kindergarten, school and other collective places only after the inflammation has passed;
- Avoid public pools and saunas during illness;
- Ventilate your room frequently;
- Drink plenty of fluids;
- Additionally, vitamins and dietary supplements may be used.
How to protect?
The most effective way to prevent adenovirus infection is proper and consistent hygiene. These measures are especially important for those in contact with infected individuals and those working in child care settings. If there are adenovirus carriers around you, be sure to follow the protective guidelines below:
- Wash your hands regularly and properly (with soap and water);
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals;
- Wipe the areas where the infected person has been with a disposable tissue and throw it in the trash after use;
- Use only your own personal hygiene products;
- Do not share objects held close to the eyes, such as cameras, binoculars, etc.;
- Use only your own cosmetics (creams, powders, make-up products)
- Use only your own eye drops.
In conclusion, adenovirus infection can cause contagious diseases affecting various organs and systems in both children and adults. The virus’s resilience in the environment and ease of spread can make it difficult to control. Therefore, proper hygiene habits, avoiding sharing personal items, and taking precautions in public places play a vital role in preventing the spread of adenoviruses. Early diagnosis and symptomatic treatment help ensure a milder course of the illness.