Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that cause cold and flu like symptoms.  It is most common in late winter, spring, and early summer, but can happen at any time of the year.  It is most common in infants and young children, and by 10 years of age, most of us have been infected by adenovirus.  It is spread by respiratory secretions (ie cough or sneeze) and fecal contamination.  The incubation is 2 days to 2 weeks.  It is possible to be infected more than once.  Washing hands and surfaces is the best way to prevent infection.

Symptoms:

• fever
• sore throat
• runny nose and/or congestion
• ear infection
• cough
• croup
• viral pneumonia
• watery diarrhea
• vomiting
• headache
• abdominal cramps
• frequent urination
• painful urination
• blood in the urine
• red eyes with or without discharge or tearing
• swollen "glands" (lymph nodes)

Treatment:

Symptomatic treatment is used because there is no medication specific to treating the infection.   Symptoms tend to last a few days to several weeks.

• Pain/fever relievers (acetaminophen if over 2 months or ibuprofen if over 6 months) will help the aches and pains and encourage more drinking. 
• Offer plenty of fluids. Infants are at risk of dehydration, and occasionally need iv fluids to hydrate them.  Monitor for urine at least every 6 hours for infants and every 12 hours for children. 
• Saline can be used to clear the nose and sinuses.
• Adding water to the air with a humidifier or vaporizer can keep the mucus loose.  Do not add menthol or other medications to this.
• Warm compresses to the eyes can relieve eye symptoms.
• Avoid dairy if there is vomiting or diarrhea.  Click here for more information on vomiting and diarrhea.
• We do not recommend cold or cough medications.
• Click here for more information on treating cold and cough symptoms.

When to Make an Appointment or go to Urgent Care:

• Symptoms worsening after 1 week:  make an appointment during office hours
• Rapid breathing, short of breath, pain with breathing, or other breathing concerns:  make an appointment or come to our walk in hours ASAP or go to a pediatric Urgent Care Center if after our hours.  If no pediatric Urgent Care Center is available, go to the nearest ER.
• Infants under 3 months should be seen with any fever during office hours if otherwise feeding well and no changes to behavior, otherwise make an appointment or come to our walk in hours ASAP or go to a pediatric Urgent Care Center if after our hours.
• Dehydration (no urine as above, no tears, dry mouth, lacking energy, sunken eyes):   make an appointment or come to our walk in hours ASAP or go to a pediatric Urgent Care Center if after our hours.  If no pediatric Urgent Care Center is available, go to the nearest ER.