ADENOVIRUS INFECTIONS:
It can make people sick at all ages, often causing upper respiratory tract infection; It is a family of viruses that are generally prevalent at the end of winter, spring and early summer, but can be seen in all seasons. There are many types, and the differences in these types can affect different body parts, from the eyelids to the respiratory tract, from the intestines to the bladder, and cause different clinical pictures. Adenoviruses are transmitted by person-to-person contact, through the air such as sneezing-coughing, or through contact with hands or feces. If a person infected with the virus uses the bathroom, it is contagious to others; Contact with the eyes or mouth of the virus transmitted to the hands also infects the person. The possibility of infection is higher in nursery children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. The virus can be transmitted widely in schools and summer camps, the virus is also transmitted from swimming pools or shared towels.
Symptoms:
They are like cold symptoms, runny nose and sore throat may be observed. Conjunctivitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, middle ear infection, or fever may also occur. A harsh cough like whooping cough may occur and may cause bloodshot eyes, but it does not affect vision. Some types affect the intestines and cause cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea. If it affects the bladder, it can cause blood in the urine and pain when peeing. Very rarely, it can also cause meningitis and encephalitis. In children with severely suppressed immune systems, it progresses much more severely and becomes an infection that is difficult to cope with.
Let me state that there is an incubation period of 2-14 days for a child infected with the virus to develop the disease picture. In other words, our child may catch the adenovirus from his friend at school and get sick 2 days later, or he may get sick 2 weeks later.
What should we do?
Paracetamol (e.g. calpol, parol, etc.) for sore throat and fever. minoset…), offer plenty of fluids and let him rest.
When to consult a pediatrician?
If you have fever and sore throat, consult your doctor so that it can be determined whether there is beta streptococcus; If symptoms persist for more than a few days, if you have difficulty breathing, if you think your child is getting worse, if the amount of urine decreases in small groups of months, or if there are no tears when crying, consult a doctor. ulsun.
How is the diagnosis made?
Pediatrists often make a diagnosis by looking at examination and symptoms. Although there are tests that show adenovirus, since there is no specific treatment, it is not worth the uncomfortable application of the test to the child and the cost to the family. But if necessary, the virus can be detected by taking samples from throat or eye secretions or blood, urine and stool.
Treatment?
Since there is no specific treatment, supportive treatment ensures that the child is comfortable while experiencing the disease. .
How does it progress?
Cough and eye infection usually last longer, but other symptoms relieve in a few days. Complications generally occur in children and young babies with weakened immune systems. These complications include pneumonia leading to respiratory failure, multiple organ failure and even death.
Prevention-Protection?
Frequent hand washing will reduce the spread of adenovirus infection. Objects such as toys that are transferred from child to child should be cleaned and disinfected. Chlorination of swimming pools should be done appropriately.
Read: 0
