Is your child having a fever and snoring? Don't take it lightly – they could be at risk of adenovirus infection or snoring fever disease.

‘Adenovirus’ is a pathogen that might not be very familiar to you. This virus is not a new emergence; it has been around for a long time and has sporadically caused outbreaks. Nowadays, the detection of this virus has significantly improved, allowing for more frequent identification compared to the past. The virus can be detected through nasal and throat swabs or stool samples. Moreover, beware, during the rainy season, 'Herpangina,' an infectious disease in children, is on the rise.

What is adenovirus?
It is a virus that affects the respiratory and digestive tracts, commonly found in young children, particularly those aged 6 months to 5 years. Extra caution is needed for little ones with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

What Causes Adenovirus Infections?

• Inhaling droplets of mucus or phlegm contaminated with the virus directly from someone coughing or sneezing;
• Contacting with surfaces contaminated with adenovirus, such as toys or children's items; and
• Consuming food or drinking water contaminated with adenovirus.

​Adenovirus can survive on environmental surfaces for up to 30 days and cannot be killed by alcohol. It requires heat, soap, or various disinfectants to be effectively eliminated. Generally, the virus is destroyed by the following methods:

• Using heat at a temperature of 56 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes
• Being exposed to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Using 0.25% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) powder Using chlorine at a concentration of 0.5 mg/l
• Using chemicals like formaldehyde and bleach

Checking for Adenovirus Symptoms
Adenovirus symptoms often include high fever ranging from 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, which can persist for 4 to 7 days. Additionally, it can involve various symptoms affecting multiple systems of the young child's body.

• Respiratory System: The child may experience symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, hoarseness, snoring, nasal congestion, ear pain, ear infection (otitis media), bronchitis, or pneumonia;
• Digestive System: Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain;
• Eye Infections: Symptoms may include eye pain, redness, inflammation (conjunctivitis), discharge from the eyes, and swollen eyelids; and
• Urinary Tract Infections: This can lead to inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) with symptoms such as blood in the urine.

Children may experience symptoms ranging from mild cold-like symptoms that resolve on their own in 1 to 2 days, to high fever, severe fatigue, wheezing, and severe vomiting with intense diarrhea.

Treatment for adenovirus is symptomatic since there is no specific antiviral medication available.

• Fever Reduction: Due to the child's potential for prolonged high fever, continuous fever-reducing medication is necessary until the fever subsides;
• Fluid Replacement: Administering fluids to prevent dehydration from fever, vomiting, and diarrhea; and
• Respiratory Symptom Management: Addressing nasal congestion, snoring, and respiratory discomfort with decongestants, nasal sprays, mucus suction, or oxygen therapy if needed.

The best way to prevent adenovirus infection is as follows:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water;
• Maintaining cleanliness of commonly touched surfaces at home, such as children's toys, tabletops, chairs, and objects handled by children;
• Avoiding taking children to crowded places;
• Staying away from close contact with individuals showing symptoms of illness; and
• Covering mouth and nose with a tissue or disposable paper towel when coughing or sneezing.

A heartfelt thank for information provided by Ms. Piyarat ‘Ann’ Lertbannaphong, M.D., a specialized pediatrician .

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