Symptoms to look out for as cases of highly contagious 'adenovirus' surge
The likelihood of catching adenovirus has increased this winter
There are certain symptoms that you may need to be on the look out for as cases of a highly contagious ‘adenovirus’ have surged over the festive period.
This comes after health experts have raised the alarm over the dreaded adenovirus, which is known for having a high transmission rate.
And it can have dire consequences, impacting a person’s upper and lower respiratory tract, as well as a horde of other organs.
Someone who contracts the virus can also find that it affects their eyes, gastrointestinal tract, and their kidneys.
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With the likelihood of catching adenovirus increasing this winter, doctors, medical experts are now raising awareness of the possible indicators of the condition.
Dr Deborah Lee at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy explained, as per Cosmopolitan: “It is spread from breathing in infected aerosol droplets, by inadvertently rubbing the virus directly into the eye, or via the faecal-oral route (not handwashing after using the toilet).
“It spreads rapidly in places where people are in close proximity.”
She added: “The virus is resistant to soap and many other commonly used cleaning products.”
Despite the symptoms being pretty mild, it can take people some time to get over them.
Knowing and identifying these symptoms, however, will mean that patients receive the most appropriate course of treatment as quickly as possible, and as such they might not be knocked off their feet for that long.
It’s vital to note, however, that in cases of individuals battling an already reduced immune system, the condition can prove deadly.
What are the symptoms of adenovirus?
“Adenovirus is a typical virus that causes the common cold and/or flu-like symptoms,” Dr Lee continued.
As such, most patients suffer from the likes of a fever, a runny nose, a sore throat, a cough, shortness of breath and enlarged cervical lymph nodes in the neck. In more severe cases, however, patients can suffer from an odd mix of other symptoms, including conjunctivitis, ear pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, tummy pain, or a urinary tract infection.
Though the majority of people have the power to bounce back from these symptoms after a week or two, for others, the risk is hugely heightened.
“Those most at risk are babies and children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone who is immunocompromised,” Dr Lee added.
How to avoid adenovirus
According to the medic, the best means of preventing infection is to avoid touching your face and nose, blowing your nose regularly into a clean paper handkerchief before throwing it into the bin, and regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water before drying them thoroughly.
Those hoping to avoid catching the virus should also be careful to wash children's toys regularly, clean and disinfect worktops, changing areas, toilets, and bathrooms more often than usual, stop sharing the likes of cups, plates, food, and towels with others, and wear a mask if you need to venture out to busy areas.