Adenovirus (add-eh-noe-VY-rus) infections are usually mild, but serious infections
can happen. Infants and people with weak immune
systems are more likely to have severe problems. Some types of the virus
are linked to more severe disease.
Who Gets Adenovirus Infections?
Adenovirus infections can affect children of any age. But they're 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 have more than
one adenovirus infection.
Adenovirus infections can happen at any time of the year.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Adenovirus Infections?
The symptoms of adenoviral infections depend on the type of adenovirus and the
part of the body affected. Respiratory symptoms are most common.
Upper respiratory infections can range from mild cold symptoms
to flu-like symptoms. These include:
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines.
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, belly pain, and fever.
Bladder infections: These can cause frequent peeing, burning,
pain, and blood in the
urine.
Eye infections:
Pinkeye
(conjunctivitis) is a mild inflammation of the membranes that cover the
eye and inner surfaces of the eyelids. Symptoms include red eyes, discharge, tearing,
and the feeling that there's something in the eye.
Pharyngoconjunctival fever causes very red eyes, a sore
throat, fever, runny nose, and swollen glands.
Keratoconjunctivitis is a more severe eye infection that involves
both the conjunctiva and cornea (the transparent front part of the eye). It causes
red eyes, photophobia (sensitivity to light), blurry vision, tearing, and pain.
Nervous system infections:
Meningitis and
encephalitis can
sometimes happen due to adenovirus infection. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea
and vomiting, stiff neck, and confusion.
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 pharyngoconjunctival fever 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?
The symptoms of adenovirus infections are similar to many other infections. If
a person has a serious infection, doctors can test respiratory or conjunctival 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 on their own. Treatment at home includes
getting plenty of rest, drinking enough liquids, and using acetaminophen
to treat fevers. 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. Other
treatment, depending on the symptoms, may include intravenous 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 group settings 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 he or she seems very ill, call your doctor right away.
