What is adenovirus?

A group of viruses that infect the membranes (tissue linings) of the respiratory tract, the eyes, the intestines, and the urinary tract, adenoviruses account for about 10% of acute respiratory infections in children and are a frequent cause of diarrhoea. Once a child is exposed to adenovirus, symptoms can develop from 2 days to 2 weeks later. Adenoviral illnesses often resemble certain bacterial infections, which can be treated with antibiotics. But antibiotics don't work against viruses. To diagnose the true cause of the symptoms so that proper treatment can be prescribed, your child's doctor may want to test a sample of respiratory or conjunctival secretions, a stool specimen, or blood or urine sample - depending on what condition is being considered. In most cases, a child's body will get rid of the virus over time. Because antibiotics are of no use in treating a viral infection, you should simply try to make your child more comfortable. Don't give any over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies or cough medicines without checking with your child's doctor. There has recently been a recall on many of these as there is a danger for small children. You can use acetaminophen to treat a fever; however, do not give aspirin because of the risk of Reye syndrome, a life-threatening illness. If your child has diarrhea or is vomiting, increase fluid intake and check with the doctor about giving an oral rehydration solution to prevent dehydration. To relieve the symptoms of conjunctivitis, use warm compresses and a topical eye ointment or drops if your child's doctor recommends them. Most adenoviral infections last from a few days to a week. Severe respiratory infections may last longer and cause lingering symptoms, such as a cough. Pneumonia can last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. In cases of pharyngoconjunctival fever, sore throat and fever may disappear within a week, but conjunctivitis can persist for another several days to a week. The more severe keratoconjunctivitis can even last for several weeks. Adenovirus can also cause diarrhea that lasts up to 2 weeks, which is longer than other viral diarrheas. You know your child best. If he or she appears to be severely ill, don't hesitate to call your child's doctor right away.
I add a link for this subject and one with details of the recall for cough and cold medications for your interest.

http://www.cdc.gov/
ncidod/dvrd/revb/
respiratory/eadfeat.htm

http://www.resource4thepeople.
com/defectivedrugs/coldand
cough.html

Hope this helps
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