February 12, 2025

Adenovirus is a group of viruses that causes various infections and can affect people of all ages. Researchers have found more than 50 types of adenoviruses that can affect humans. Each virus can cause multiple illnesses affecting various parts of the body. The adenovirus typically causes flu-like symptoms and can infect people anytime throughout the year. However, such infections are on the rise during the winter season. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly in crowded or unhygienic settings. The risk of such viral outbreaks is higher in India, where crowded places are common. Therefore, understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options for adenovirus infections becomes even more necessary.

Such infections can vary from mild to severe. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and can be treated easily; however, serious complications could occur in conditions where the patients have a weak immune system. Young children and individuals with cardiac or respiratory issues are more susceptible to developing illnesses from adenovirus. The article below will help give you a better understanding of the virus, its symptoms, and preventive measures that you could use to keep you and your loved ones protected.

Common Symptoms of Adenovirus

Symptoms of Adenoviruses can manifest in many ways depending on the severity of the condition and the part of the body that’s affected. However, in most cases, the symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. Here’s a list of some common symptoms of illnesses caused by adenoviruses.

Respiratory Symptoms

These viruses often spread through cough or contact with an infected person, primarily affecting the respiratory system. Some of the significant respiratory symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Shortness of breath (in severe cases)

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

When strains of the virus cause infections in the gastrointestinal tract and the stomach, it can lead to symptoms such as:

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Urinary Tract Symptoms

Adenoviruses can infect the urinary bladder, causing inflammation. This condition is also known as hemorrhagic cystitis. The symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine (rarely)

Eye and Other General Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, it is highly contagious and can also cause eye infections, which result in symptoms like redness of the eye, pain, water discharge, light sensitivity, irritation, and blurred vision. Other general symptoms of Adenovirus infections include fatigue, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle pain.

How Does Adenovirus Spread?

Adenoviruses primarily spread through close contact, contaminated places, etc. Although these infections can affect people of all ages, children below five are more susceptible. Some of the common causes of Adenovirus infections are as follows:

Airborne Transmission

The virus can spread through the droplets released while sneezing or coughing. If you are close to an infected person, there is a high chance of you being infected through airborne transmission.

Direct Contact

Touching or having close contact with those already infected can spread the virus. Hugging or shaking hands with an infected person can also cause the spread of the virus.

Contaminated Surfaces

This virus can survive on various objects, making it even more dangerous and contagious. Touching contaminated objects or surfaces that might contain the virus and then touching your face, eyes, or mouth is one of the main causes of adenovirus spread.

Waterborne Transmission

Contaminated water resources or unchlorinated swimming pools can transmit adenoviruses. For instance, if an infected person enters an inadequately chlorinated swimming pool, they can infect those in the pool with the virus.

Common Risk Factors

Weakened immune system

Studies show that individuals with weak immunity are at higher risk of contracting the infection. This comprises children under the age of 5, elderly people, and even those with severe health issues that affect the immune system.

Poor hygiene practices

Not practising good hygiene practices such as washing hands, showering regularly, and living in a clean space puts you at a higher risk of getting infected as these viruses grow and spread in unsanitary places. Maintaining a clean and healthy environment around can help prevent the spread of the virus to a great extent.

Frequent exposure to public spaces:

Public places, particularly those that are too crowded, are some hotspots for transmitting the virus. Frequent exposure to places like the market, dormitories, day-care centres, etc., puts you at a risk for infection.

Close living quarters

Like public spaces, living in close quarters also increases the chances of spreading the virus. Avoiding close contact with those infected is a great way to prevent infection.

How to Prevent Adenovirus Infections?

Adenoviruses are highly contagious. However, taking simple precautions and adhering to preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of getting and spreading the virus.

• Wash hands regularly: Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and bathing, can significantly reduce the spread of the virus.
• Avoid touching your face: Do not touch your face before washing your hands properly. We often tend to touch objects and surfaces that might be contaminated, and touching your face can put you at an immediate risk of infection.
• Avoid crowded places: These viruses grow and breed in crowded and unsanitary places. Avoiding such places as much as possible automatically keeps you safe from getting infected.

Conclusion

Adenoviruses are often the cause of various illnesses; however, due to the lack of knowledge of these viruses, many people tend to overlook their seriousness. Although such infections can be treated easily with home remedies and supportive care, it is often advised to consult a doctor if the symptoms are severe and unmanageable. Understanding the causes and symptoms of such infections is essential to become more aware and reduce the chances of getting infected.

FAQs

1. Can adenovirus infections recur after recovery?

Yes, they can recur even after recovery. However, it’s usually a different illness caused by another type of virus. As mentioned earlier, Adenoviruses are a group of many viruses, so getting infected by one doesn’t necessarily make you immune to the rest.

2. Can infections caused by adenoviruses be treated at home?

In mild cases, home remedies like steam inhalation, herbal tea consumption, and saline gargles can help relieve symptoms.

3. Are adenoviruses linked to seasonal outbreaks?

Yes, they are. The spread of these viruses is often on the rise during winter or spring. Additionally, outbreaks are common in crowded settings such as schools, markets, day-cares, etc.