The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.
The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.
Article Translations: (Spanish)
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.
Adenoviruses are common causes of fever and illnesses such as:
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.
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:
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.
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.)
Most adenovirus infections get better with treatment at home, including:
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.
Find out if antibiotic medicines will help your child feel better – or if some TLC is all that’s needed.
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.
To help prevent the spread of adenovirus infections, parents and other caregivers should:
Call your doctor if your child is sick and:
You know your child best. If they seem very ill, call your doctor right away.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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