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.
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
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
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)