Adenovirus Infection

What is adenovirus infection?

Adenoviruses are viruses that can cause illness in people. Most adenovirus infections cause mild cold or flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms including, pneumonia, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and gastrointestinal illness can occur.

Who gets adenovirus infection?

Anyone can get infected by adenoviruses and illness is usually mild. Infants and those with weakened immune systems or those with existing lung or heart disease are at risk for more serious illness. Outbreaks can occur where people are in close quarters.

How are adenoviruses spread?

Adenoviruses spread easily from one person to another and can survive for a long time on objects. The virus can spread through close contact, such as touching or shaking hands. It can also spread through the air during coughing or sneezing. Touching, an object, or surface, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes can cause infection. Contact with an infected person’s stool (e.g., during diaper changing), can cause spread. Adenoviruses can spread through water, such as swimming pools, but is less common.

What are the symptoms of adenovirus?

Adenoviruses have a wide range of symptoms, usually lasting three to five days. More serious infections can last for weeks. Most often those ill have mild common cold-like illness. This can be sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, headache, chills, cough, or fever. Other signs and symptoms are bronchitis (inflammation of the airways of the lungs), pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), pink eye, or intestinal tract infection (e.g., diarrhea and vomiting). Other rare complications are bladder infections or meningitis (an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord).

How soon after exposure do symptoms of adenovirus appear?

For respiratory infections, symptoms usually appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. For intestinal tract infections, symptoms usually appear 3–10 days after exposure to the virus.

How is adenovirus diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose adenovirus infection based on the patient’s symptoms. Laboratory tests are also available to identify the virus in the stool, blood or other body fluids.

What is the treatment for adenovirus?

There are no approved antiviral medicines to treat adenoviruses. No specific treatments for adenovirus exist but there are measures to relieve symptoms. Doctors may recommend rest, fluids, or over-the-counter medicines to manage symptoms. Sometimes use of a cool-mist humidifier is also recommended. Talk to a healthcare provider about any concerns. See a doctor if fever continues for more than a few days, symptoms worsen, or breathing problems occur. Those at risk of serious illness may need medical care or hospitalization.

How can adenovirus infection be prevented?

There is no vaccine generally available to prevent adenovirus infection. Prevent adenovirus infection by always washing hands often with soap and water. Avoid close contact with those who are sick. Try not to touch the eyes, nose or mouth, or share cups and eating utensils. When sick, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and if able, stay home from work, school, and errands. To prevent adenovirus outbreaks of conjunctivitis, maintain proper chemical levels in swimming pools.

How long can a sick person carry adenovirus?

Adenovirus infections are most contagious during the first few days of symptoms. Some people, like those with weakened immune systems, can carry the virus for longer. These people might not have any symptoms but are still able to spread the virus to others.

How can I get more information about adenovirus infection?

• If you have concerns about adenovirus infection, contact your healthcare provider.
• Call your local health department. Find your local health department at vdh.virginia.gov/health-department-locator/.
• Visit the CDC's page on adenoviruses at cdc.gov/adenovirus/index.html