Adenovirus FAQ

Adenovirus FAQ

Adenovirus has a global distribution, can cause infection all year round, and is prone to epidemics in closed or crowded environments. 5% to 10% of febrile illnesses in infants and young children are caused by adenovirus. Today I'm going to talk to you about adenovirus.

What are the symptoms of adenovirus infection in children?

Fever is the most common symptom of adenovirus infection, manifested by repeated high fever above 39 ° C, the course of illness is 5-7 days, and in some cases can last up to 2 weeks. Exudative tonsillitis and swollen neck lymph nodes may be present in many cases, and it is difficult to distinguish this syndrome from group A streptococcal infection clinically. Adenovirus is one of the most common causes of tonsillitis in young children. The baby will have symptoms of diarrhea. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis may occur in some cases, with conjunctival hyperemia and enlargement of preauricular lymph nodes. Severe cases may result in damage to vital organs such as pneumonia, encephalitis, meningitis and myocarditis.

How do you determine adenovirus infection?

If the child has repeated high fever for more than 3 days, it is necessary to consider the possibility of adenovirus infection. It is recommended to see a doctor in time for adenovirus antigen or nucleic acid testing of nasopharyngeal swabs. The accuracy of adenovirus nucleic acid detection is higher than that of antigen detection. The doctor will make the choice according to the case.

Can adults get adenovirus?

Adults can also be infected with adenovirus. The clinical manifestations of adenovirus infection vary with the age and immune function of the host. Adults mainly present with acute upper respiratory tract infection and epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, but immunocompromised adults can also present with severe and important organ involvement.

Are there specific drugs and vaccines for adenovirus?

At present, there is no specific antiviral drug for adenovirus infection, and symptomatic treatment is the main method. Adenoviruses are viral infections and do not need to be treated with antibiotics unless a clinician determines that a mixed infection is present. There is also no vaccine against adenovirus.

What cases of adenovirus infection need medical attention?

If there is no underlying disease, school age or older children, adenovirus is usually self-limited, if symptoms are severe or persistent, it is recommended to see a doctor promptly. For premature infants and children with underlying diseases, it is recommended to see a doctor in time. Children under 3 years of age, especially children under 3 months of age, who are suspected of adenovirus infection, are advised to seek medical attention in time. Due to the rapid change of the condition, parents may be required to carefully observe, and if necessary, multiple visits or hospital observation. If the child has convulsions, new rash, lethargy, gray face, hypoxemia, wheezing, shortness of breath, dyspnea, or persistent high fever, the temperature does not return with antipyretic drugs, it also needs to be seen in time. After adenovirus infection, it is very important for parents to carefully observe the symptoms of children and seek medical attention in time.