It’s Adenovirus – Not Idontknowvirus!

Over the past week, we’ve all been hit with shocking news on disasters happened in the hi-tech country, Japan. However, it’s a different story in our own beloved country, Malaysia. Adenovirus infection outbreaks have been quite a big issue since it took few Malaysians’ lives and many were sent to hospitals for treatments and quarantine.

Not just in Malaysia, this virus seems to be affecting any other parts of the world. So, since we all are students of Health Sciences, why not have some idea about it and know the precautions.

What are Adenoviruses?

What is Adenovirus infection?

Infections from these viruses can cause illness in people and animals.

What are the signs and symptoms of Adenovirus infection?

Adenovirus often infects the airways – this can appear as a “cold” (e.g., sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, cough, headache, chills), croup, or bronchitis.

Illness usually lasts three to five days, but serious infections can last weeks.

Complications can include middle ear infections, pneumonia, or meningitis. Some types of adenovirus cause other illnesses, such as skin rash, conjunctivitis (pink-eye,) bladder infections, or bowel infections (e.g., diarrhoea).

Who can get infected with Adenovirus?

Anyone can be infected by adenovirus. Most infections are mild. Serious illness can occur in young children, the elderly, or those with weak immune systems. Outbreaks can occur where people are in close quarters.

Adenoviral infections affect infants and young children much more frequently than adults.

How is Adenovirus spread?

Adenovirus spreads very easily and can survive for a long time on objects. The virus may be spread through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person (e.g., during coughing or sneezing).

Infection can occur while eating or touching the eyes, nose, or mouth if hands are contaminated with virus and not washed well.

Infected persons may spread the virus if they do not wash their hands well and then they handle food that other people eat.

Drinking from contaminated water sources (e.g., poorly maintained swimming pools) may also lead to infection.

How long is a person able to spread Adenovirus?

Sometimes adenoviruses infections last for a long time (e.g., months or years) without symptoms.

What can I do to prevent Adenovirus infections?

There is no vaccine generally available to prevent adenovirus infection. Good health habits can help prevent adenovirus infection. These include:

-Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;

-Washing your hands often to help protect yourself from germs (alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used if hands are not visibly soiled);

-Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth;

-Staying home from work, school, and errands when you are sick;

-Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.