Adenovirus
Adenovirus is an acute infectious disease belonging to the group of respiratory viral infections that affects the mucous membranes of lymphoid tissue, intestines, organs of vision and respiratory tract. As a rule, children and young people are susceptible to this disease. The causative agent is a virus from the adenovirus family.
The infection is transmitted by airborne droplets, contact and alimentary means. The main symptoms are the same as with a cold.
Causes of adenovirus
The main cause of the disease is infection with adenovirus from a sick person or a virus carrier (the human body contains a virus, but does not cause symptoms of the disease, although it is released into the external environment).
The infection can be transmitted by airborne droplets or oral-fecal route.
Adenovirus occurs all year round, but its main peak falls on the autumn-winter period, because it is at this time that people’s immunity decreases, and due to increased humidity, favorable conditions are created for the reproduction of the virus.
Types of adenovirus
Pharyngeal conjunctival fever. Symptoms:
Increase in body temperature;
Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes;
Dry cough;
Pharyngitis.
Adenovirus SARS is caused directly by a virus, not a bacterial infection. It is provoked by reduced human immunity, has a severe course.
Symptoms of adenovirus
Common symptoms of this disease include:
increased body temperature, which is fixed for several days;
nasal congestion with mucous secretions;
general malaise, in the form of weakness, chills and lethargy;
irritation in the throat, tickling and pain;
conjunctive, lacrimation, itchy eyes;
nausea, periodically turning into vomiting;
enlarged axillary, submandibular, cervical lymph nodes and tonsils.
As a rule, the most characteristic manifestation of adenovirus is a combination of four symptoms: fever, conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis.
The incubation period of the disease lasts from five to seven days.
Diagnosis of adenovirus
A physical examination of the patient and the collection of anamnesis is carried out. Patients complain of discomfort of the mucous membranes of the eyes, sore throat, runny nose and fever.
As a rule, there is a history of contact with a sick person, or an infectious outbreak in the team, especially this applies to classes with a large number of sick children.
To identify the pathogen and confirm the final diagnosis, PCR and ELISA are prescribed.
If necessary, an ophthalmologist’s consultation is appointed.
Treatment of adenovirus
There is no single approved protocol for this disease. The treatment is symptomatic.
As a drug therapy , the following are prescribed:
in case of eye damage – eye ointments and drops;
with abundant mucous discharge from the nose – vasoconstrictive drops in the nose;
drugs to strengthen the patient’s immune system;
plenty of warm drink, with plenty of vitamin C.
In case of severe course of the disease, the patient is hospitalized in a hospital, where he is assigned:
antibacterial therapy, if there has been an attachment of a bacterial infection;
infusion therapy, to relieve intoxication of the body.
In the absence of timely treatment, the infection can cause serious complications in the form of:
exacerbations of existing chronic diseases;
lesions of the spleen, kidneys, liver;
necrosis of the alveoli and bronchial walls;
sinusitis, sore throat, otitis media;
pneumonia.
The main prevention of this disease is to strengthen the immune system, maintain hygiene and prevent hypothermia.
