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Adenovirus

Adenovirus

There are at least 51 types of adenovirus and the diseases resulting from infections include;

  • conjunctivitis
  • pharyngitis
  • pneumonia
  • acute and chronic appendicitis
  • bronchiolitis
  • acute respiratory disease
  • gastroenteritis

Adenovirus infections are normally mild. Infections can occur at any time of the year and in all demographics. Infections are spread through close personal contact, coughing or sneezing, or after touching an infected surface. viruses can infect the lining of the eyes, airways and lungs, intestines, urinary tract, and nervous system.

The viruses are a common cause of fever, coughs, sore throats, diarrhoea, and pink eye. Each type of adenovirus can show different symptoms. Infections happen in children more often than in adults, but anyone can get them. link

Washing your hands is still the most important way to protect yourself.

Treatment

Antibiotics do not work for adenovirus as it is not a bacteria. Treatment usually involves supportive care, such as rest, fluids, or non-prescriptive fever relievers. Antiviral agents are only used to treat severe adenovirus infections in people with suppressed or low immune systems.

Vaccination

Adenovirus type 4 and type 7 live vaccine is used to prevent febrile acute respiratory disease caused by adenovirus type 4 and type 7. It works by causing your body to produce its own antibodies against the virus. link . The vaccine will prevent most illness caused by types 4 and 7. The vaccine comes as 2 tables, taken orally together. They are swallowed whole. link

USAMMA

Adenovirus vaccine is only available for United States military personnel between the ages of 17 to 50. Adenovirus vaccination began in the U.S. military in 1971, when as many as 80% of recruits would be affected in associated acute respiratory disease epidemics; of these, up to 20% would require hospitalisation. link. It is still recommended by the U.S. Department of Defence. The department was forced to reinstate oral vaccines against both adenovirus types in November 2011 due to the reemergence of continuous outbreaks of illnesses associated with the virus in American recruit training facilities after being discontinued for a period of 15 years. link

The adenovirus vaccine is not available to the general public.