Adenovirus

Adenovirus
What Are Adenoviruses?

Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can cause infections. Adenovirus (add-eh-noe-VY-rus)
infections can happen in kids of any age, but are more common in babies and young children.
Most kids have had at least one adenovirus infection before age 10.
There are many different types of adenoviruses, so people can get infected more than once.
These viruses don’t have a “season” like other viruses (the flu, for example), so infections can
happen at any time of the year.
What Illnesses Do Adenoviruses Cause in Kids?
Adenoviruses are common causes of fever and illnesses such as:
colds
pinkeye
croup
bronchiolitis
pneumonia
gastroenteritis
bladder infection
meningitis and encephalitis
Most infections are mild, but serious infections can happen, especially in infants and people with
weak immune systems. Some types of the virus are linked to more severe disease.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Adenovirus?

The symptoms of adenovirus infections depend on the type of adenovirus and the part of the
body affected. Symptoms similar to a common cold happen most often, such as a fever, sore
throat; a congested, runny nose; and a cough.
Adenoviruses can also cause:

eye redness and pain
diarrhea
vomiting
belly pain
frequent peeing, burning pain while peeing, blood in the urine
headache
Is Adenovirus Contagious?
Adenovirus is highly contagious. Infections are common in close-contact settings, such as
childcare centers, schools, hospitals, and summer camps.
Adenovirus can spread through droplets when someone with an infection coughs or sneezes.
Fecal material (poop) can spread the infection via contaminated water, dirty diapers, and poor
hand washing. Outbreaks of adenovirus at summer camps are linked to contaminated water in
swimming pools and lakes.
A child might also pick up the virus by touching someone who has it. Adenoviruses can survive
on surfaces for a long time. So they can spread on contaminated toys, towels, and other objects.
Symptoms usually start 2 days to 2 weeks after contact with adenovirus.
How Are Adenovirus Infections Diagnosed?

Adenovirus infection symptoms are a lot like those caused by other infections. Usually, tests
aren’t needed if someone has mild symptoms. But if a person has a serious infection, doctors can
test respiratory or conjunctival (eye) secretions, a stool sample, or a blood or urine sample to
confirm the diagnosis.
Doctors will also test for adenovirus during suspected outbreaks. (An outbreak is when many
people come down with the same symptoms.)
How Are Adenovirus Infections Treated?

Most adenovirus infections get better with treatment at home, including:
getting plenty of rest
drinking enough liquids
giving acetaminophen if fevers are making your child uncomfortable
using a humidifier or saltwater nose drops to help kids with congestion
Babies and children with vomiting and diarrhea who can't drink enough liquids may need
treatment for dehydration.
Infants (especially newborns and premature babies), people with weak immune systems, and
healthy children and adults with severe adenovirus infections may need antiviral medicine and
treatment in a hospital that could include IV fluids, oxygen, and breathing treatments.
How Long Do Adenovirus Infections Last?

Most adenovirus infections last from a few days to a week or two. Severe infections may last
longer and cause lingering symptoms, such as a cough.
Can Adenovirus Infections Be Prevented?

To help prevent the spread of adenovirus infections, parents and other caregivers should:
make sure kids and caregivers wash their hands well and often
keep shared surfaces (such as countertops and toys) clean
keep kids with infections out of daycare and school until symptoms are gone
teach kids to sneeze and cough into shirtsleeves or tissues — not their hands
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Call your doctor if your child is sick and:
has a high fever or one that lasts more than a few days
has breathing problems
is under 3 months old or has a weak immune system
has red eyes, eye pain, or a change in vision
has severe diarrhea, vomiting, or signs of dehydration, such as peeing less or having fewer wet
diapers, a dry mouth, sunken eyes, acting tired and listless
You know your child best. If they seem very ill, call your doctor right away.

Adenovirus

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Adenovirus

What Are Adenoviruses?

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Adenovirus?

Adenoviruses can also cause:

Symptoms usually start 2 days to 2 weeks after contact with adenovirus.

How Are Adenovirus Infections Diagnosed?

How Are Adenovirus Infections Treated?

How Long Do Adenovirus Infections Last?

Can Adenovirus Infections Be Prevented?

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