Adenovirus
Adenoviruses are common viruses that cause a range of illness. They can cause cold-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, and pink eye (conjunctivitis). You can get an adenovirus infection at any age. People with weakened immune systems or existing respiratory or cardiac disease are more likely than others to get very sick from an adenovirus infection…
About Adenoviruses
For Health Care Professionals
Specimen Collection and Laboratory Testing
Outbreaks
Reporting and Surveillance
References & Publications
Common Ways to Get Adenoviruses
Adenoviruses usually spread from infected people to others through
- close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands
- the air by coughing and sneezing
- touching objects or surfaces with adenoviruses on them then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes
Adenoviruses are common viruses that typically cause mild cold- or flu-like illness. Adenoviruses can cause illness in people of all ages any time of year.
Protect Yourself and Others
You can protect yourself and others from adenovirus infection:
- wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- avoid close contact with people who are sick
- stay home when you are sick
- cough and sneeze into a tissue or your upper sleeve, not your hands
- avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others
Page last reviewed: August 28, 2019