INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
There is a spike in flu-like symptoms in children
Doctors across hospitals in India are reporting an increase in adenovirus cases
Many are comparing it to a pandemic-like situation
Hospitals in Kolkata, Mumbai are reporting a significant rise in severe cases, where many require hospitalization or even ICU care
While it is more prevalent in certain states right now, Infectious diseases physician and researcher Dr Trupti Gilada warns that others
should not take it lightly
children being admitted with pneumonia who show adenovirus on the PCR from the lungs
These are very sick children with prolonged illness and need prolonged artificial ventilation
Many are showing signs of severe lung damage even on recovery
Our patient profile too is of prolonged cough for 4-6 weeks and high fever lasting for over a week
Most are not tested for the virus
symptoms settle within a few days, however, this time the virus is showing prolonged symptoms
Some children are also facing complications after getting discharged, reminding doctors of long COVID
Many are unaware that in 2018, Bharat Biotech had initiated work on producing an adenoviral vaccine, however the work was shelved when they
started developing Covaxin
What is adenovirus?Adenovirus is a viral disease, which spreads by coming in contact with an infected person
It is quite similar to coronavirus and can spread through air, via coughing or sneezing
Moreover, if the virus settles on a surface and someone touches it, that person can be infected as well
Its symptoms are also quite similar to COVID
Symptoms of adenovirusAdenovirus presents cold or flu-like symptoms
Some common symptoms are fever, dryness of throat, and acute bronchitis.Some patients may complain of symptoms like pneumonia, redness of
the eyes, diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain
Persistent fever for more than seven days of flu
Breathlessness is a danger sign
Disturbed sleep due to coughing may require some symptomatic treatment
PreventionPrevention plan is similar to what was advised during COVID
One must wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Touching eyes, nose and mouth should be avoidedAvoid getting in contact with a sick personIsolate yourself when you are sickUse mask or
tissues while coughing or sneezingRead AlsoMajority of COVID deaths attributed to older people: WHO analysis
