Symptoms of the virus may appear similar to a common cold – here’s what you should know
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has alerted Brits to a ‘common respiratory infection’ that may cause various other illnesses, including bronchitis and gastroenteritis. While it is most common in children and babies, people of all ages can contract it at any time of year.
Posting to X, formerly Twitter, the UKHSA said: “While you might not have heard of adenovirus, most of us pick up this usually mild illness before our 10th birthday.” It then added: “Adenovirus is a common respiratory infection that can cause other illnesses like conjunctivitis, bronchitis, croup, ear infections, and gastroenteritis.”
In a blog, the UK Government agency further explored its typical symptoms, which can include a fever, sore throat, nasal congestion or a runny nose, and a cough.
Although usually mild and often mistaken for a ‘common cold’, an adenovirus can be more serious for people with weakened immune systems. Unlike the flu, which generally peaks in winter, adenovirus infections don’t follow a seasonal pattern, so they can occur at any time of year.
It’s also ‘highly contagious’ and spreads very easily in settings where people are in close contact, such as nurseries, schools and hospitals. The spread from person to person generally occurs through one of five means, including:
- Droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- Close personal contact, such as shaking hands
- Touching contaminated surfaces, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes
- Contact with an infected person’s poo, for example, during nappy changing
- Contaminated water in swimming pools or lakes (though this is less common)
The online UKHSA blog also explained: “Adenoviruses can survive on surfaces for a long time, which is why shared objects can become sources of infection. Symptoms typically appear between 2 days and 2 weeks after exposure.
“People can continue to shed the virus after recovering, sometimes without any symptoms, meaning they can still pass it on to others. This is particularly common in those with weakened immune systems.”
Fortunately, most adenovirus infections clear up on their own with plenty of rest and fluids. While most cases last from a few days to a week or two, others may take longer to resolve.
However, people experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea may require treatment for dehydration. In more serious cases, especially in very young children, elderly people, or those with compromised immune systems, hospitalisation might be needed.
The blog added: “While adenovirus infections are common and usually mild, knowing what to look out for can help you manage symptoms at home and recognise when professional advice is needed.”
Four common signs of adenovirus
According to the UKHSA blog, the four key signs of adenovirus include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Runny or congested nose
- Cough
However, generally, you will only need to contact a doctor if one or more of the following symptoms apply:
- High fever or one that lasts more than a few days
- Difficulty breathing
- Red eyes, eye pain, or changes to vision
- Severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or signs of dehydration
- The person is under three months old or has a weakened immune system
For more information, click here.
