Adenovirus in children and adults - how dangerous is it, symptoms and how is it treated?

Adenovirus belongs to the group of DNA viruses that are widely distributed in the world population. They stalk us in the places where we feel most relaxed. In schools, kindergartens, sports centers, cinemas, theaters, restaurants, more precisely, in all those places where many people circulate.

Adenoviruses are especially hateful to parents of children who often reach for inhalators and go through phases of runny nose , elevated temperature, redness of the eyes. It is interesting that these viruses do not bypass adults either, and sometimes they can cause more serious complications.

It is important to understand this seemingly common viral threat, especially when you have small children or care for elderly, more vulnerable people.

That is why we draw your attention to the impact of adenoviruses, how to recognize them, how to treat them and protect yourself from them.

Adenovirus - symptoms and treatment

Adenoviruses are a group of DNA viruses that most often attack the respiratory system, eyes, urinary tract and intestines. They are especially prevalent in children, but they also attack adults, especially those with weaker immunity. The strongest reactions occur during autumn and winter.

Adenoviruses are highly contagious and are transmitted through droplet contact with the secretions of an infected person, especially through contaminated hands and objects. They can be transmitted both by air and fecal-oral route.

Symptoms with which these viruses appear sometimes go almost unnoticed, but when they are visibly present, they manifest themselves with a large number of clinical manifestations. People with strong immunity do not feel symptoms of infection, but they are germ carriers and spread the virus very easily.

The incubation period usually lasts about 7 days, and then symptoms appear depending on which part of the body is affected.

Respiratory symptoms

• High temperature
• Running nose
• Cough
• Difficult breathing
• Sore throat

Symptoms of the digestive tract

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain

Eye symptoms

• Redness of the eye
• Tears
• Eye irritation (conjunctivitis)

Symptoms of the urinary tract

• More frequent urination
• Burning and pain when urinating
• High temperature

Cough symptoms usually last about 5 days, but the dynamics of the cough change and extend for ten days. At first it is a dry, irritating cough, and as it matures, it turns into a wet and productive cough.

Symptoms of a runny nose begin with a clear, transparent fluid and may turn into a thick, yellow discharge as the infection progresses.

A temperature that sometimes goes over 39 degrees C is the most common symptom, especially in children. It usually lasts for several days, sometimes longer than 5.

Adenoviruses are particularly resistant and can survive for a long time on surfaces such as towels, medical and surgical instruments, public places (city transport). Infection through food is also possible, because these viruses resist the acidic environment of the stomach and the enzymes present.

Adenovirus treatment

Adenovirus treatment involves symptomatic and supportive therapy.

• Bringing down the temperature - Antipyretics like paracetamol and ibuprofen are used to bring down the temperature and relieve the muscle pain that is present during the fever.
• Hydration - Increased fluid intake is important in the fight against adenovirus, especially if there are symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea along with the fever. Water, tea, soup and electrolyte solutions maintain balance and prevent dehydration. This is especially important in children. The body will more efficiently expel toxins and fight infection.
• Rest - More sleep and rest will give the body an opportunity to recover faster and fight the virus more adequately. Resting improves the immune response.
• Topical drops for the eyes or nose - If the virus has given the symptom of red eyes, apply eye dropsand which reduce irritation and swelling in the eye. With a stuffy nose, nasal drops are recommended, which will improve nasal patency by reducing swelling of the mucous membrane and calm secretion.

• Symptom relievers – Symptoms such as cough can be relieved with certain cough syrups, throat lozenges, or oral suspensions. In addition to these methods for alleviating adenovirus symptoms, natural preparations are also useful as additional support for the body.
• Chamomile tea – soothes throat irritation and reduces coughing.
• Honey and lemon - have antibacterial properties and strengthen immunity.
• Ginger – reduces inflammation and eases the symptoms of respiratory problems.
• Propolis – strengthens immunity and relieves the symptoms of throat irritation.
• Thyme tea - helps to reduce coughing and makes breathing easier.
• Eucalyptus oil - acts as a natural decongestant and eases breathing.

Infections caused by adenoviruses

Adenoviruses can be blamed for various infections that attack our body.

• Respiratory Infections – Symptoms are similar to a cold and include fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat. Pneumonia can occur as a complication.
• Digestive tract infections – Symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Greater complications can lead to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.
• Eye infections – If the adenovirus has attacked the eyes, conjunctivitis may occur. Your eyes are red and irritated, they burn, they tear, the light bothers them, and the presence of purulent or watery secretions is also possible.
• Urinary infections - Discomfort when urinating and an increased need to urinate with symptoms of burning and pain are characteristic of a urinary infection.
• Infections of the central nervous system – Meningitis and encephalitis are sometimes caused by adenoviruses.
• Infections in immunocompromised patients - People with HIV or patients on chemotherapy who are completely immunocompromised are more susceptible to more severe infections caused by adenoviruses, which can include multiple organopathy.

Adenovirus and stomach cramps

If the intestinal mucosa is attacked by adenovirus, stomach cramps are one of the symptoms. This kind of inflammation can be so unpleasant that it completely interferes with normal functioning.

When the nerve endings in the intestines are irritated, the result is severe and painful cramps that are often accompanied by other symptoms.

To help the body fight this type of adenovirus, it is best to focus on a light diet that will not further irritate the digestive system. In addition, fluid and electrolyte intake should be increased.

Medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will lower your temperature, if it is elevated, but will also ease the irritating stomach ache.

The most important thing is to stay in bed and rest until you are fully recovered. Rest is the best medicine against infection.

Adenovirus and natural treatment

Conventional methods of treating infections caused by adenoviruses should preferably be supplemented with natural therapies.

In addition to hydration, rest and a light diet, it is advisable to introduce other natural options to relieve symptoms and strengthen the immune response.

• Herbal preparations - Choose preparations that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Echinacea and eucalyptus are fantastic choices.
• Honey - To relieve sore throats and irritating coughs, you can add honey to tea or take it on a teaspoon and slowly melt it in your mouth.
• Citrus - It is known that vitamin C is the best antioxidant and an indisputable helper in the fight against viruses. Strengthen the immune system with freshly squeezed orange, lemon, grapefruit juice or make a fruit salad rich in vitamin C.