Infection with Adenovirus and influenza shows certain similar onset symptoms, making it inevitable to confuse them during diagnosis.
Adenovirus is known as a virus that causes flu-like illnesses. However, recently, many cases of mysterious hepatitis have been reported in connection with this virus. Additionally, both Adenovirus infections and influenza share certain onset symptoms, leading to confusion in the diagnostic process.
What is Adenovirus?
Adenovirus was first discovered in 1953 from human tonsil tissue. This virus can survive and cause illness for extended periods in the environment; at room temperature, it can last for about 30 days, survive at 40°C for several months, and endure at -200°C for many years. However, the virus can be destroyed by ultraviolet light and boiling water at 100°C. It loses its virulence quickly and dies at 56°C within 3 to 5 minutes.
Adenovirus is recognized as a cause of various respiratory diseases. It is an acute viral infection with a wide range of clinical symptoms. Individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, are at a higher risk of contracting Adenovirus.
Adenovirus is known as a virus that causes flu-like illnesses. (Illustrative image).
How to Recognize Adenovirus Symptoms Compared to Common Flu
Adenovirus circulates widely across the globe. It can cause multiple respiratory illnesses, making it easily confused with other diseases, especially common flu.
For common flu, patients typically experience hallmark symptoms such as: Shortness of breath; persistent cough; wheezing; coughing up blood; rapid breathing.
In contrast, those infected with Adenovirus not only exhibit respiratory symptoms but may also show various manifestations in other organs.
When infected with Adenovirus, patients may present symptoms such as:
- Acute respiratory infection: Patients may experience sore throat, throat swelling, cough, swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck, and high fever. The disease progresses acutely, usually lasting 3-4 days, and in severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia.
- Acute pharyngitis: This condition is often found in infants and young children, presenting symptoms like sore throat, cough, fever, and runny nose. Acute pharyngitis caused by Adenovirus typically lasts from 7-14 days and can spread quickly in outbreaks.
- Conjunctival pharyngitis: In addition to symptoms like acute pharyngitis, individuals with conjunctival pharyngitis may also have red eyes and clear discharge, usually without pain.
- Pneumonia: Patients experience sudden high fever, cough, runny nose, and signs of lung damage, which can spread and lead to dangerous complications. Pneumonia caused by Adenovirus can be fatal, with a mortality rate of 8-10%.
- Conjunctivitis: Adenovirus conjunctivitis often breaks out in summer due to transmission through pool water. Symptoms include red conjunctiva, which may affect one or both eyes, clear discharge, and a high risk of bacterial superinfection if not treated promptly.
- Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis caused by Adenovirus is common in young children, with symptoms like prolonged diarrhea lasting about 7 days, fever, headache, nausea, and conjunctivitis. The virus affects the gastrointestinal tract and is shed in feces.
- Cystitis: Adenovirus is a known cause of cystitis in children. The virus can be found in urine, urethra, and the cervix of infected individuals.
- Hepatitis: Reports indicate that health authorities in the UK and the US suspect Adenovirus may be the cause of mysterious hepatitis in children. Recently, most children showing symptoms of hepatitis have tested positive for Adenovirus, with some cases resulting in fatalities. Scientists continue to research to provide detailed and accurate conclusions regarding hepatitis symptoms in children infected with Adenovirus.
Health authorities in the UK and the US suspect that Adenovirus may be the cause of the recent mysterious hepatitis in children.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Le Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the Respiratory Center at the Central Pediatric Hospital, children infected with Adenovirus often present symptoms such as: high fever, cough, wheezing, possibly accompanied by conjunctivitis and gastrointestinal disturbances. In severe cases, children may experience difficulty breathing.
Regarding transmission routes, Adenovirus can cause respiratory diseases but can also lead to conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, and cystitis. Therefore, Adenovirus can be transmitted not only through respiratory routes but also through unsafe sexual contact. In contrast, influenza can only be transmitted through respiratory routes.
Preventing Adenovirus Infections
According to Dr. Le Kien Ngai, Head of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Infection Control at the Central Pediatric Hospital, there is currently no vaccine available for Adenovirus in Vietnam, so the best way to control the spread of the disease is early detection, vigilance regarding clinical and epidemiological factors to avoid missing tests; adherence to standard preventive measures, and compliance with available vaccination schedules.
Dr. Truong Huu Khanh from Children’s Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City states that children with severe Adenovirus infections often have weakened immunity or are infected with additional bacteria, especially antibiotic-resistant strains. Currently, there are no specific treatments or vaccines available for diseases caused by Adenovirus. Thus, preventive measures include handwashing, adults with flu should keep away from young children, wearing masks, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep to boost immunity… For young children, ensure they receive all necessary vaccinations, including the 6-in-1 vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and flu vaccine to better prevent diseases.
To prevent diseases caused by Adenovirus, individuals must proactively take measures to protect themselves and their families through the following actions:
- Use personal towels, avoid sharing, and regularly clean towels with soap, drying them in a cool, dry place.
- Maintain oral hygiene by regularly gargling with salt water.
- Ensure that household drinking water is safe and properly disinfected.
- When caring for patients infected with the virus, do not share personal items and frequently disinfect the patient’s belongings.
- Adenovirus infections can easily spread in clinics, especially eye clinics. Therefore, healthcare workers and patients should frequently sanitize their hands and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce the risk of infection.
- Ensure a balanced diet to boost immunity, especially for those with weakened immune systems, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases.
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