Adenovirus infection is a type of infection that is quite common in children, especially those under 5 years of age. Besides being able to spread quickly, some cases of adenovirus infection can also cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can cause infections of the eyes, intestines, lungs, and respiratory tract. At least, there are about 40 types of adenovirus that have been recognized and can be transmitted easily, especially in children.
Diseases Caused by Adenovirus
Here are some diseases caused by adenovirus:
1. Acute respiratory infection (ARI)
Adenovirus is one of the main causes of ARI in children. This disease can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from cough, runny nose, fever, stuffy nose to sore throat.
In some cases, this disease can also cause a middle ear infection (otitis media) and swollen lymph nodes.
2. Lower respiratory tract disorders
Adenovirus can also cause various lower respiratory tract diseases in children, such as pneumonia or pneumonia and bronchiolitis. The disease usually occurs in infants who have weak immune systems, for example due to malnutrition, or in infants who have ARI and do not receive treatment.
3. Gastroenteritis
Adenovirus infection also often causes gastroenteritis in children. When exposed to gastroenteritis, children can experience diarrhea, fever, vomiting, stomach cramps, and headaches. If it is severe, diarrhea can cause dehydration and this condition needs to be treated immediately by a doctor.
4. Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection (UTI) also includes diseases that can be caused by adenovirus infection. This disease is often characterized by typical symptoms, which include frequent urination, burning sensation when urinating, to bloody urine. Apart from viruses, UTIs can also be caused by bacteria.
5. Eye infection
When it enters the eye, adenovirus can cause irritation and inflammation of the conjunctiva, the inner lining of the eyelids and the membrane that protects the eyeball. This disease is called conjunctivitis.
When exposed to an adenovirus infection of the eye, the child will experience red, watery, and swollen eyes. They can also become more fussy and have difficulty resting, because the eyes feel sore and itchy. This eye disease is easily transmitted to other people.
Adenovirus infections generally cause only mild and harmless disease, and often go away on their own.
However, in children who have a weak immune system (immunodeficiency), for example due to malnutrition, chemotherapy side effects, or HIV/AIDS, adenovirus infection can pose a risk of dangerous complications.
Protecting Children from Adenovirus Infection
Adenovirus infection is transmitted from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, or fecal contamination. To avoid transmitting this infection, there are several ways that are important to do, both in children and adults:
- Always wash your hands before eating, after urinating or defecating, before handling food, and after touching dirty objects, such as doorknobs or handles on trains or buses.
- Wear a mask when traveling or in crowded places.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or fold your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid wiping your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands.
- Clean bedding and toys that children touch frequently.
If you are sick, including when you are infected with adenovirus, your child should not go to school because they need a lot of rest at home. Not only that, while you are sick, you or your child should not use public facilities, such as swimming in public swimming pools.
Symptoms of adenovirus infection in each child can vary, depending on which part of the body is infected. Treatment also needs to be adjusted to the disease experienced. But keep in mind, avoid using over-the-counter drugs indiscriminately or without a doctor's recommendation.
If your child's condition gets worse or has severe symptoms during an adenovirus infection, such as refusing to eat and drink, shortness of breath, seizures, or a high fever that doesn't go away, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.