Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Adenovirus Infection, Pediatric
Adenoviruses are common viruses that cause many types of infections. These viruses usually may affect nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs (respiratory system) as well as other parts of the body, including the eyes, stomach, bowels, bladder, and brain. The most common type of adenovirus infection is the common cold.
Usually, adenovirus infections are not severe. Children with certain health conditions are more likely to have problems that make the infection worse. These health conditions include lung and heart diseases and an immune system that is weak. The immune system is the body’s defense system.
What are the causes?
-
Touches a surface or object that has an adenovirus on it and then touches his or her mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands.
-
Has close physical contact with a person who has an adenovirus infection. This often happens through hugging or holding hands.
-
Breathes in droplets that fly through the air when a person with this condition talks, coughs, or sneezes.
-
Has contact with stool (feces) that has the virus in it.
-
Swims in a pool that does not have enough chlorine. Chlorine is a chemical that kills germs.
Adenoviruses can live outside the body for a long time. They spread easily from person to person (are contagious).
What increases the risk?
-
Are younger than 1 year of age.
-
Have a weak immune system.
-
Have a diseases of the respiratory system.
-
Have a heart condition.
-
Go to child care outside of their home, especially children who are younger than 2 years of age.
What are the signs or symptoms?
-
Having lung and breathing problems, such as:
-
Cough.
-
Trouble breathing.
-
Runny nose or stuffy (congested) nose.
-
-
Feeling aches and pains, including:
-
Headache.
-
Stiff neck.
-
Sore throat.
-
Ear pain or congested ears.
-
Stomachache.
-
-
Having digestive problems, such as:
-
Feeling nauseous or vomiting.
-
Having diarrhea.
-
-
Having a fever.
-
Having eye problems, such as pink eye (conjunctivitis), causing inflammation and redness.
-
Having a rash.
-
Less common symptoms include:
-
Being confused or not knowing the time of day or where he or she is (disoriented).
-
Having blood in the urine or having pain while urinating.
-
How is this diagnosed?
-
Blood tests.
-
Urine tests.
-
Stool tests.
-
Chest X-ray.
-
Tests of tissue or mucus from your child’s throat.
How is this treated?
-
Getting plenty of rest.
-
Drinking more fluids than usual.
-
Taking over-the-counter medicine to help relieve a sore throat, fever, or headache.
Follow these instructions at home:
Activity
-
Make sure your child rests until symptoms go away.
-
Have your child return to his or her normal activities as told by your child’s health care provider. Ask your child’s health care provider what activities are safe for your child.
General instructions
-
Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider. Do not give your child aspirin because of the association with Reye’s syndrome.
-
Have your child drink enough fluid to keep his or her urine pale yellow.
-
If your child has a sore throat, have your child gargle with a salt-water mixture 3–4 times a day or as needed. To make a salt-water mixture, completely dissolve ½–1 tsp (3–6 g) of salt in 1 cup (237 mL) of warm water.
-
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.
How is this prevented?
-
Have your child wash her or his hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, have your child use hand sanitizer. Your child should wash his or her hands throughout the day, especially:
-
Before eating.
-
After sneezing.
-
After using the bathroom.
-
-
Teach your child to cover his or her mouth when coughing and mouth and nose when sneezing. Tell your child to use a clean tissue or shirt sleeve.
-
Remind your child not to touch his or her eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and wash hands after touching these areas.
-
Clean toys and other commonly used objects often.
-
Do not allow your child to swim in a pool that does not have enough chlorine.
-
Keep your child away from others who are sick.
-
Keep your child home from school or activities if he or she is sick.
-
Do not allow your child to share cups or eating utensils.
Where to find more information
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Contact a health care provider if:
-
Your child’s symptoms stay the same after 10 days.
-
Your child’s symptoms get worse.
-
Your child cannot eat or drink without vomiting.
Get help right away if your child:
-
Who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
-
Who is 3 months to 3 years old has a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher.
-
Has trouble breathing or is breathing fast.
-
Has a bluish coloring of his or her skin, lips, or fingernails.
-
Has a rapid heart rate. This is how fast the heart beats.
-
Becomes confused.
-
Loses consciousness.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
Summary
-
The most common type of adenovirus infection is the common cold.
-
Usually, adenovirus infections are not severe. Children with certain health conditions are more likely to have problems that make the infection worse.
-
Adenoviruses can live outside the body for a long time. They spread easily from person to person (are contagious).
-
This condition goes away on its own with time. Treatment for this condition involves managing symptoms until they go away.
-
Contact a health care provider if your child’s symptoms stay the same after 10 days.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
