Adenovirus treatment

The main principle: treat the symptoms

CDC states it plainly: there is no specific treatment for adenovirus infection and no approved antiviral medicines. Treatment is aimed at symptoms and complications [1] [2].

Russian clinical guidelines on acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in children say the same for all respiratory viruses: in most cases ARVI is benign, clears up within 10 days, and does not necessarily require medicines [3].

Fever

In healthy children older than 3 months, bringing a fever down with medicine is justified above 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) measured in the armpit. At a lower temperature (38 °C, 100.4 °F), fever reducers are indicated for babies under 3 months, children with chronic illnesses, and when the fever causes discomfort [3].

• only paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen are used to bring down fever in children [3];
• fever reducers should not be alternated or combined because of the risk of toxic effects, and taking them as a regular course is undesirable [3];
• acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and nimesulide are not used to bring down fever in children [3].

For adults, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for a temperature above 38 °C (100.4 °F) and muscle or joint pain, only to relieve symptoms [4]. The doctor chooses the drug and dose according to the label.

Nose and cough

• rinsing the nose with saline or sterile seawater is part of standard ARVI treatment in children [3];
• decongestant nose drops are used for a short course, no longer than 5 days [3];
• cough suppressants are not routinely recommended for ARVI: in most cases they don't work [3];
• antihistamines don't reduce runny nose or cough in ARVI and are not recommended [3].

Fluids

Here the guidelines for children and adults differ. For adults, basic care includes bed rest, a suitable diet and plenty of fluids [4]. For children, the clinical guidelines call the benefit of pushing lots of fluids doubtful: fluid intake should be sensible [3].

With a temperature above 38 °C (100.4 °F), it is important to give a child special oral rehydration salt solutions, not a glucose solution [3]. More on fluid loss in the article on the gastrointestinal form.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics don't work against viruses [3]. For uncomplicated ARVI, including with a runny nose, conjunctivitis, laryngitis, croup or bronchitis, they are not recommended during the first 10–14 days of illness [4].

An antibiotic may be needed if a bacterial infection sets in or complications develop. A doctor decides this after an examination [4].

Antivirals and "immunomodulators"

The clinical guidelines for children state that antiviral therapy is not part of routine ARVI treatment: most respiratory viral infections don't require antiviral or immunomodulating drugs [3].

The same guidelines note that many drugs popular in Russia with antiviral and immunomodulating action lack sufficient evidence of effectiveness and safety, and in mild illness the risk of side effects outweighs any possible benefit. Whether a particular patient needs antiviral therapy is up to the doctor [3].

What not to do

Rest and activity

Children are advised normal activity or, if needed, partial bed rest, returning quickly to normal activity once the fever goes down [3]. A sick child stays home and does not go to daycare or school [3].

We don't give doses or treatment plans. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are named because the clinical guidelines for children name them directly. The eye form is treated by an ophthalmologist: see adenovirus conjunctivitis.