Adenoviruses are from the adenoviridae group of viruses. They typically cause respiratory tract infections, but can cause viral gastroenteritis, cystitis and urinary tract infections.
Adenovirus is a highly contagious infectious disease, with its milder infection not usually lasting longer than a week. Typically a cold climate virus, causing at least one adenovirus infection in most before their 10th birthday.
Adenoviral infection symptoms vary depending on the part of your body that’s been invaded.
Adenovirus infecting your respiratory tract may mimic some of respiratory syncytial virus infection or influenza symptoms, like:
- fever
- rhinitis
- sore throat
- pharyngitis
- runny nose
- rhonchi & rales
- nasal congestion
- swollen lymph nodes
- dry, harsh cough ~ sounds like pertussis cough
If adenovirus causes an infection in your gastrointestinal tract, then inflammation and symptoms might involve:
- fever
- vomiting
- headache
- watery diarrhea
- abdominal cramps
- abdominal distention
If your gastrointestinal infection caused diarrhea is severe, signs of dehydration may be present.
Adenovirus infecting your bladder or urinary tract can cause symptoms of:
An adenovirus infection can lead to:
- croup
- bronchitis
- bronchiolitis
- conjunctivitis
- common cold
- viral pneumonia
- pericarditis (children)
- meningitis, encephalitis (rarely)
There is no cure nor specific treatment for adenovirus. Symptom relief is the best you can do.
To relieve a child’s fever, use acetaminophen and never aspirin. Usage of OTC cough and cold remedies should be under a health care providers direction only.
Other suggested adenoviral treatments for symptom relief and health preservation are:
- plenty of rest
- humidifier ~ helps loosen congestion
- electrolyte solution prevents dehydration complications
- use bulb syringe to clear young child’s nasal discharge
- warm eye compresses relieves conjunctivitis symptoms
Because this infection is caused by a virus, taking an antibiotic provides no treatment benefit. Although adenoviral infections resembles some bacterial infections, never treat with any prescription drug that wasn’t ordered by a health care professional.
