Adenoviruses
7-minute read
Key facts
- Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can cause cold and flu-like symptoms.
- The viruses can be spread by person-to-person contact and through the air.
- There is no specific treatment for an adenovirus infection — most infections will clear up on their own.
- You can stop the spread of adenovirus infections through good hygiene, including frequent handwashing.
- If you think you have an adenovirus infection, stay at home until you feel better.
What are adenoviruses?
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses. They can cause illness in people at any time of the year.
While adenovirus infections are most common among children under the age of 5 years, infections can also happen in adults.
Adults who live or work in close environments have a higher chance of catching these viruses. This includes people living or staying in:
- aged care facilities
- dormitories
- hospitals
What are the symptoms of adenoviruses?
Most adenovirus infections don’t cause any symptoms. In fact, only 1 in 3 types of adenoviruses causes symptoms.
Different adenoviruses can cause symptoms in different parts of your body. It can take between 2 and 14 days for your symptoms to appear.
Adenovirus infections most often cause respiratory symptoms, such as:
- a mild flu-like illness
- fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher)
- sore throat
- cough
- wheezing
Adenovirus infections can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
Adenovirus infections can also cause other symptoms and problems, such as:
- conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- abdominal (tummy) pain
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- vomiting
- blood in your urine (wee)
- pain while weeing
Rarely, adenovirus infections can cause:
- meningitis — inflammation of the membrane around your brain and spinal cord
- encephalitis — inflammation of your brain
Recently, hepatitis in children in Europe and the United States have been linked with adenoviruses.
People with weakened immune systems tend to get sicker than other people when infected with adenoviruses.
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What causes adenovirus infections?
Adenoviruses are spread from person-to-person. This can be by:
- touching or shaking hands
- touching surfaces or objects contaminated with adenovirus
- through the air, by coughing and sneezing
- through an infected person’s stool (poo)
- swimming in water that has the virus and isn’t chlorinated
You can also become unwell if you have the virus in your body and it becomes active again. This usually only happens in people with immune system problems.
When should I see my doctor?
If your child is younger than 3 months and has a fever, take them to the nearest hospital emergency department.
See your doctor if:
- you have a fever that lasts more than a few days
- you have signs of dehydration
- you have a lot of swelling or redness around your eyes
- your symptoms seem to get worse after a week
You should take your child to see a doctor if they:
- have breathing problems
- are not drinking or feeding well
- are dehydrated
- are irritable or drowsy
- have symptoms of adenovirus infection and are younger than 3 months
You should always take your child to see your doctor if they have symptoms that are worrying you.
How are adenoviruses diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you.
They may arrange for you to have tests to find out what’s causing your symptoms. These tests might include:
- a blood test
- a urine (wee) test
- a stool (poo) sample
- a throat swab
- an eye swab
Depending on your symptoms, they may also recommend tests such as a chest x-ray.
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How are adenoviruses treated?
There is no specific treatment for an adenovirus infection. Most infections will get better on their own.
Antibiotics don’t work against infections caused by viruses.
Self-care at home
Most adenovirus infections are mild and don’t need medical care.
Make sure that you rest and drink plenty of fluids.
You can take pain-relief medicines such as paracetamol for pain or fever.
To ease symptoms of conjunctivitis, you can use a warm compress on your eyes.
Medicines for adenoviruses
Your doctor may suggest eye ointment or eye drops for conjunctivitis.
Other treatment options
You may need to be treated in hospital if you have serious complications associated with adenovirus infection.
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What are the complications of adenoviruses?
While severe illness isn’t common, babies may need to be hospitalised to stop them becoming dehydrated.
Complications of adenovirus infection can include:
- encephalitis
- meningitis
- hepatitis
- myocarditis (inflammation of your heart muscle)
- bad gastrointestinal symptoms
Rarely, adenovirus infections can be life-threatening.
Can adenoviruses be prevented?
There are things you can do to help stop the spread of adenoviruses. Frequent hand washing and using hand sanitiser can lower your chances of getting an adenovirus infection.
There are other things you can do to reduce your risk of infection:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wear a face mask in crowded places.
- Don’t share cups, glasses and cutlery with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect toys touched by an infected child.
Adenoviruses are resistant to many disinfectants. The virus can survive for up to 30 days on surfaces. So, it may be best to clean infected surfaces with products that contain bleach.
If you’re sick, stay at home until your symptoms have gone. Sometimes, you can keep spreading the virus even after you’ve recovered from the infection.
Resources and support
If you’re worried about adenoviruses, you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.