A new incurable virus is spreading around the world: how to recognize adenovirus.

According to ТСН: The world is engulfed by a new wave of a mysterious virus known as 'incurable' due to the lack of specific treatment. The symptoms of this disease resemble the common cold or Covid-19, however, the pathogen is much more resilient to external conditions and spreads faster among the population, both adults and children.

This was reported by leading American infectious control expert, medical director of Jefferson Health (Philadelphia), Eric Sachinvala.

In his opinion, there is a noticeable increase in adenovirus cases worldwide, which often goes undiagnosed due to its similarity to other respiratory infections.

What is adenovirus

According to data from the Scottish Public Health Service, adenoviruses are a group of about 50 different types of viruses. They can affect various organs and systems, causing symptoms ranging from mild malaise to serious complications in people with weakened immunity.

The main danger lies in their resilience. Unlike many other pathogens, adenoviruses are resistant to most standard disinfectants, allowing them to remain on surfaces for long periods and spread rapidly in everyday life.

Main symptoms: how to identify the disease

The clinical picture of adenovirus often resembles seasonal flu or Covid-19. Patients usually present with complaints of severe cough, runny nose, fever, chills, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, as well as more serious signs such as acute bronchitis or croup.

In addition to respiratory manifestations, adenovirus can affect the mucous membrane of the eyes, causing conjunctivitis, as well as the gastrointestinal tract, presenting symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can cause inflammation of the bladder or affect the nervous system.

Spread scale: statistics are alarming

According to studies by the National Institutes of Health, adenovirus is responsible for:

• 5-10% of all clinically significant respiratory infections in children;

• 1-7% of similar cases in adults.

Statistics show that the majority of children are infected with adenovirus by the age of 10. Sometimes the disease passes in a mild form, and parents may not even realize that the child had this virus. However, in 2016, approximately 75 million cases of diarrhea in children under 5 years old were recorded due to adenovirus.

Why the disease is called 'incurable' and what to do

The term 'incurable' in this case indicates that there are no specific antiviral drugs against adenovirus; treatment is only symptomatic.

Dr. Sachinvala emphasizes that rest is critically important for the recovery of the immune system. It is important to consume plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially in the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms.

The doctor also emphasizes that not all cases of fever need to be immediately reduced with antipyretics. Fever is a natural mechanism of the immune system in fighting infection.

Since it is difficult to distinguish adenovirus from flu or Covid-19 on your own, Eric Sachinvala advises to definitely consult a doctor if symptoms do not improve on the third day of illness.

Since adenovirus can affect a significant portion of the population, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and ways of its spread. Given the data on the spread of the disease, public health emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, including thorough hygiene and timely medical consultations at the first signs. This will not only help avoid complications but also stop further transmission of the virus among the population.