[Adenovirus] What are the symptoms? How long does it take for children to recover from adenovirus infection?

As the weather turns cooler, children are particularly prone to "catching a chill," causing concern for parents. However, symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose may not necessarily indicate a common cold; they could also be caused by an adenovirus infection. If children exhibit these symptoms, especially persistent fever, parents should pay extra attention. 10Life has compiled information on common symptoms of adenovirus, transmission methods, and the typical recovery time for children after contracting the virus, for parents' reference.

According to information from paediatricians and the Centre for Health Protection, adenovirus is a virus that can infect human mucous membranes. There are many serotypes, each of which can cause different symptoms. The more common ones include respiratory infections such as coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and fever. Although some symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, adenovirus infection may lead to other more severe symptoms, such as persistent fever for 5 to 7 days, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, and eye inflammation. While severe cases are relatively rare, it is still important not to take it lightly.

Last year, several countries in Europe and the Americas reported cases of acute hepatitis of unknown cause in children, with some of these children testing positive for adenovirus. However, according to the Centre for Health Protection, adenovirus-related hepatitis is not common.

Adenovirus is contagious and does not have a specific "high-risk" season; it can spread throughout the year. Children, the elderly, and adults with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to infection. Outbreaks of acute respiratory infections and eye infections caused by adenovirus occasionally occur in kindergartens, childcare centres, and hospitals.

Adenovirus is primarily transmitted through the following three routes:

• Droplet transmission, such as through coughing or sneezing
• Direct contact with nasal or oral secretions from an infected person
• Consumption of contaminated food or water

If you suspect that you or your child may be infected with adenovirus, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Adenovirus can be detected through nasal fluid testing, and rapid test kits are also available in the market, which can simultaneously detect multiple viruses including COVID-19, influenza, and adenovirus.

However, there is currently no specific treatment for adenovirus infection. Generally, only supportive care can be provided to alleviate symptoms, along with drinking plenty of water and resting. Recovery typically occurs within one to two weeks.

Methods to prevent adenovirus infection primarily focus on avoiding contact with the virus, maintaining hygiene, and boosting immunity. Recommendations from the Centre for Health Protection include:

• Maintaining good personal, food, and environmental hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water after touching public facilities like handrails or before touching the mouth or nose
• Using a tissue to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
• Avoiding sharing eye drops, eye cosmetics, or other items that may come into contact with the eyes
• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as furniture and toys
• Ensuring good indoor air ventilation
• Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest

The symptoms of adenovirus infection can vary in severity, and children may require hospitalisation for treatment. If they are admitted to a private hospital for a few nights, the cost of room charges alone can easily amount to thousands of pounds, or even exceed ten thousand pounds. Purchasing medical insurance for your children early can help alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses for parents. In the event that a child contracts adenovirus or other illnesses requiring medical attention, it also provides greater flexibility in choosing treatment options.

Every family has different needs, so it is important to thoroughly understand the coverage of insurance products before purchasing medical insurance and to select the most suitable plan. Generally, outpatient medical insurance for children covers consultation fees and basic medication costs, while inpatient medical insurance for children covers surgical and hospitalisation expenses, such as room charges and doctor’s visitation fees.

For parents who are interested in learning more, feel free to refer to 10Life’s articles on children’s insurance and insurance premiums and coverage for young children, or use the Product Decoder to make an initial comparison of different insurance plans.

Further Reading:
【Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease】Both Adults and Children Can Be Affected – A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms and Transmission Routes

Source: Centre for Health Protection, Paediatric Medical Centre, Media Reports

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.