Adenovirus


1. What is the Adenovirus?

-a virus that has over 51 different strains (or subtypes)
-causes infections in humans

2. What types of infections does Adenovirus cause?

-the most common are upper respiratory tract infections, which include symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough
-can also cause ear infections, sore throat, conjunctivitis (pink eye), other eye related infections, rashes, and tonsillitis
-certain strains cause gastrointestinal (abdominal) symptoms
-rarely, infections can include severe pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis (a blood infection)
-often times, infection goes undetected



3. How do I know if my child has Adenovirus?

-usually, you will not know
-it is not routinely tested for because, for the most part, it causes mild illness
-only if your child became very ill would doctors test for it



4. How is Adenovirus contracted?

-respiratory tract infections are usually transmitted through droplets in the air, person to person, and from touching contaminated objects where droplets have landed and then placing hands near our mouth, eyes, or nose
-the gastrointestinal strains are transmitted by the fecal-oral route
-some have contracted adenovirus from swimming pools



5. How long, once exposed to the virus, does it take to start having symptoms?

-anywhere from 2-14 days for respiratory symptoms
-anywhere from 3-10 days for intestinal symptoms



6. When is the infection most contagious?

-during the first few days, but the virus can be shed for extended periods of time

7. Is there any treatment?

-because it is a virus, antibiotics will not help
-it is not known at this point if antiviral medications help
-usually supportive measures help to alleviate symptoms
-aceteminophen and/or ibuprofen for fevers/sore throat/ear pain, etc.
-lots of fluids
-rest
-if symptoms are severe, patient may need further treatment at a medical facility



8. How can Adenovirus be prevented?

-there is no way to prevent this virus. A vaccine has been used in the past against a couple of the strains for military personnel
-some measures can be taken to help control its spread:
-frequent, diligent hand washing and/or alcohol based soaps
-keeping children home from school/daycare when they are sick
-frequent cleaning/disinfecting of surfaces/toys/etc., as adenovirus likes to adhere to skin, surfaces, etc.
-teaching children to sneeze/cough into their elbows, not their hands



9. What information is there on the new, more virulent strain of Adenovirus?

-according to an article in the Washington Post (12/11/07):
- it “is variant of a strain known as adenovirus 14”
-there have been at least 1000 cases so far this year
-some patients have severe respiratory problems, pneumonia
-some patients with this strain get very sick, while others do not
-people of all ages are susceptible, and even otherwise healthy individuals are becoming ill, and some are even dying
-it is not clear why some get very sick, and some do not



10. When do I need to call the doctor?

-this illness needs to be treated like any other and the same parameters that one would use as criteria to call/go to the doctor should be used
-fever of 100.4 in an infant less than 3 months or persistent fever in an older child
-any breathing problems
-unusual rash
-severe persistent cough or cough in a baby
-signs of dehydration
-persistent sore throat
-any change in behavior/mental status
-lethargy
-anything concerning or unusual with your child