Viruses are of different types, and adenovirus is one of them. The great part is that we have 88 types of adenovirus causing various illnesses in humans. That makes people curious to know about this sickness-causing organism. Your age does not know when it comes to who can get an adenovirus illness. The vulnerable people are those with weak immune systems. So, what is adenovirus, and is it curable?
AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth can diagnose and treat many different illnesses. If your symptoms are urgent, but not an emergency, visit our walk-in center for care today.
Here is what you should know:
What is Adenovirus?
These are a group of viruses that cause viral infections in humans irrespective of age. Exposure to the virus can make symptoms appear within 48 hours to 14 days, depending on the immune system. The presence of the virus in the body causes illness, which also depends on the type.
Adenovirus is contagious, as an infected person can transfer the virus to another through breathing or touching the affected surface. Adenovirus can survive on surfaces for up to 30 days, and once it finds a place to support its growth, it will reactivate.
Types of Adenovirus
As indicated earlier, over 80 adenoviruses exist, each belonging to one of the seven species. These viruses are not season-specific, which implies that they can affect anyone at any point in time during a year. Regarding the illness caused by the viruses, adenovirus type 7 is responsible for acute respiratory disease syndrome.
- Below are the diseases associated with different adenovirus types:
- Lower respiratory sickness – Adenovirus type 3, 4, 7, 31
- Upper Respiratory sickness – Adenovirus type 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7
- Conjunctivitis – Adenovirus type 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 21
- Hepatitis – Adenovirus type 1 to 3, 5, 7
- Childhood febrile illness – Adenovirus 1, 2, 3, 5, 7
- Acute hemorrhagic cystitis – Adenovirus type 11
- Acute Respiratory illness – 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14
The major carriers of children's infection are types 1, 2, and 5, while serious illnesses, particularly acute respiratory diseases, are associated with 3, 4, 7, and 21.
Treatment & How it Spreads
Adenovirus infection is transferable from one individual to another through direct contact with an infected person. Shaking, touching, and other body contacts. Accordingly, adenovirus spreads through the air, especially when the infected person sneezes or coughs. Anyone who breathes in the air at that point can be infected. Humans can get adenovirus infections through objects and surfaces.
Avoiding Illness
The information above should not scare you. We highlighted them so that you can take your health more seriously than ever. You can avoid the illness by:
- Using soap and water to wash your hands regularly
- Desist from using dirty hands to touch your mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Don't move closer to ill people if you are not protected
- Don't join a gathering if you are not sure about their health status
- Don't share objects in public spaces and homes where there are sick people.
- The ideal way to sneeze or cough is to use a handkerchief or tissues.
Conclusion
We have provided you with the basic information you should know about adenovirus. Finally, it is a misconception that antibiotics can treat viral infections. You should seek proper healthcare from medical practitioners. If you want to know and determine your status, client X can provide you with adequate support.
