Adenoviruses are very common and can cause a range of illnesses in humans, from mild illnesses such as the common cold to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and diarrhea. The outcome of an adenovirus infection depends on the virus type and the individual's immune system. In general, most people recover completely from an adenovirus infection without any long-term health complications.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an adenovirus infection depend on the type of virus and the part of the body it infects. Commonly, people with adenovirus infections experience cold-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, and cough. Other symptoms may include conjunctivitis (pink eye), diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, adenovirus infections can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment
Most adenovirus infections do not require medical treatment. However, people with weakened immune systems may need to be hospitalized if they experience severe symptoms. Treatment for adenovirus infections usually includes rest and plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medications can be used to reduce fever and other symptoms. Antibiotics are not effective against adenovirus infections because they only work on bacterial infections.
Prevention
The best way to prevent an adenovirus infection is to practice good hygiene. People should wash their hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. It is also important to avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Vaccines are available to protect against certain types of adenovirus infections.