Aside
from common cold culprits like the rhinovirus and coronavirus,
watch out for the adenovirus, especially at this time of
the year.
The adenovirus can mimic flu symptoms but it can also cause
abdominal cramps, eye infections, whooping cough and pneumonia.
How to avoid it: Wash your hands!
Although many Canadians think getting the flu shot every
year will protect them against all common cold culprits,
the adenovirus is, unfortunately, an exception to the rule.
WHAT
IS ADENOVIRUS?
As a group of viruses that infect tissue linings of the
respiratory tract, eyes, intestines and urinary tract, adenoviruses
are responsible for about 10 per cent of acute respiratory
infections in children.
Indeed,
most children have been infected by at her culinary creation.
The exotic flavours of the food brings the conversation
to world travel. “I love to travel, I saw the sunrise
over the Taj Mahal, swung on vines in Venezuela’s
Amazon Jungle and climbed Dunns River Falls in Jamaica.
I’ve been to Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe,”
says D’Souza.
For
dessert, we sampled Infused Crème Brûlée,
Mango Monsoon Sorbet and Chocolate Heaven — a warm
chocolate cake with a least one adenovirus by the time they
reach school age.
Most
adults have acquired immunity to multiple adenovirus types
because of earlier childhood infections.
There
are at least 47 known adenovirus types, half of which cause
human illness, so no one is completely immune.
The adenovirus is highly contagious, causing respiratory
and intestinal infections, which spread from person to person
through coughs or sneezes or fecal contamination. Indirect
transmission can occur through exposure to the contaminated
surfaces of furniture and other objects.
Symptoms
usually develop within two weeks of exposure.
“It
is important to know that you are infectious, especially
at the beginning,” says Dr. Mike Evans, HealthyOntario.com’s
Chief Medical Editor.
silk
soft centre served with devil’s ice cream and raspberry
coulis.
“The
décor and atmosphere at Monsoon is very relaxing,
the food presentation is excellent — the food has
a very unique taste,” adds D’Souza.
Catch
D’Souza reporting Wednesday to Friday on City- Pulse
and CP24 and anchoring
CityPulse Weekend at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Citytv.
Call
Monsoon, 100 Simcoe St., at 416-979-7172, for reservations.
“Make
a special effort to wash your hands and limit contact with
others.”
TREATMENT
If the virus has caused a respiratory infection or fever,
getting plenty of rest and taking in extra fluids is essential.
You can use acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) to treat a fever;
however, do not give children aspirin because of the risk
of Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening illness.
To
relieve the symptoms of conjunctivitis, use warm compresses
and a topical eye ointment or drops if your doctor recommends
them.
There’s no way to completely prevent adenoviral infections
but you can reduce the risk of transmission with frequent
hand washing. Find more treatments for virus infections
by visiting HealthyOntario.com.
www.healthyontario.com |