Last updated: December 16, 2025
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Quick Summary

Adenoviruses are very common germs that usually cause mild cold or flu-like illness
Anyone can get sick from adenovirus, at any age and any time of year
People with weak immune systems or heart/lung problems have a higher chance of getting very sick

What Is Adenovirus?

Adenovirus is a group of common viruses that can make people sick. Most of the time, adenovirus infections are mild and go away on their own, like a common cold. But in some cases, especially for people with health problems, adenovirus can cause more serious illness.

What Symptoms Can Adenovirus Cause?

Adenovirus can cause many different types of illness. Most people will have mild symptoms that feel like a cold or the flu.

Common Symptoms (Most People)

Symptom	What It Feels Like
Cold or flu-like feelings	Runny nose, stuffy nose, mild cough, feeling tired
Fever	Body temperature higher than normal
Sore throat	Pain or scratchiness in the throat
Chest cold (bronchitis)	Cough with mucus, chest discomfort
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)	Red, itchy, or watery eyes
Stomach bug (gastroenteritis)	Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain

Less Common Symptoms (Some People)

Bladder infection (pain or burning when urinating, blood in urine)
Problems affecting the brain or spinal cord (very rare)
Severe pneumonia requiring hospital care

How Does Adenovirus Spread?

Adenovirus spreads easily from person to person. Here are the main ways it spreads:

Easy Ways It Spreads

Being close to someone who is sick: Shaking hands, hugging, or sharing cups
Coughs and sneezes: Tiny droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes
Touching dirty surfaces: Touching a doorknob, toy, or phone with germs, then touching your face
Changing diapers: Contact with stool from an infected person

Less Common Ways

Swimming pools or lakes: Water that is not properly cleaned can spread the virus (this is rare)

How Long Can Someone Spread the Virus?

A person can sometimes spread adenovirus even after they feel better. This is called "virus shedding." It happens most often in people with weak immune systems. The person may not feel sick but can still pass the virus to others.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

You can lower your chance of getting or spreading adenovirus with simple everyday steps.

Wash Your Hands Often

Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap is not available
Wash hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing

Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow
Throw away used tissues right away and wash your hands

Clean Surfaces Regularly

Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, phones, and other items people touch often
Use a household disinfectant that kills viruses

Improve the Air Around You

Open windows to let fresh air in when possible
Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in shared spaces
Spend time outdoors when you can

If You Are Sick

Stay home to avoid spreading germs to others
Wear a mask if you need to be around people
Keep your distance from others, especially those who are very young, older, or have health problems

Special Tips for Pools and Water Play

Make sure swimming pools have the right amount of chlorine
Shower before getting in the pool
Do not swim if you have diarrhea or pink eye
Try not to swallow pool water

For more prevention tips, visit: CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance

How Is Adenovirus Treated?

There Is No Special Medicine for Adenovirus

No antiviral drugs are approved to treat adenovirus
Antibiotics do not work because adenovirus is a virus, not bacteria

What You Can Do at Home

Most people get better with simple self-care:

Rest: Give your body time to heal
Drink fluids: Water, broth, or electrolyte drinks help prevent dehydration
Manage symptoms:
Use over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers as directed
Try saline nasal spray for a stuffy nose
Use a cool mist humidifier to ease coughing
Suck on throat lozenges for sore throat (not for young children)

Always read medicine labels carefully. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before giving medicine to children.

When to Call a Doctor

Contact a healthcare provider if you or your child has:

Fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher, or fever lasting more than a few days
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Symptoms that get worse or do not improve after 10 days
Signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, not urinating, dizziness)
Any illness in a baby under 3 months old

If you are worried about your symptoms, it is always okay to call your healthcare provider for advice.

Is There a Vaccine for Adenovirus?

For the General Public: No

There is currently no adenovirus vaccine available for most people

For U.S. Military Personnel: Yes

A vaccine exists for adenovirus types 4 and 7
It is only given to military recruits and some high-risk military personnel
The vaccine contains live virus and is not studied for use in the general public
People who get this vaccine can shed the virus in their stool for a few weeks

For more details about the military vaccine, see: Adenovirus Vaccine Information Statement

Who Is at Higher Risk for Serious Illness?

Most people recover from adenovirus without problems. But some groups have a higher chance of getting very sick:

Group	Why They Are at Higher Risk
People with weak immune systems	Including those with HIV, cancer treatment, or organ transplants
People with lung disease	Such as asthma, COPD, or cystic fibrosis
People with heart disease	Including congenital heart problems or heart failure
Young children	Especially babies and those in daycare
Older adults	Particularly those in nursing homes or group living
Military recruits	Due to close living spaces and physical stress during training

If you are in one of these groups, take extra care to prevent infection and contact a doctor early if you get sick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get adenovirus more than once?

Yes. There are many types of adenovirus, and getting sick from one type does not protect you from others.

How long does adenovirus illness last?

Most mild cases get better in a few days to a week. Cough or other symptoms can sometimes last longer.

Can adenovirus be serious?

Yes, but this is uncommon. Serious illness is more likely in people with weak immune systems or chronic health conditions.

Should I get tested for adenovirus?

Testing is usually not needed for mild illness. Doctors may test if symptoms are severe, if there is an outbreak, or if the person is at high risk for complications.

Where to Learn More

CDC Resources

When to Seek Care

When to Get Medical Help for Respiratory Illness

Printable Materials

Adenovirus Fact Sheet (PDF)

About CDC's Work on Adenovirus

CDC helps protect public health by:
- Tracking adenovirus infections and outbreaks across the United States
- Providing testing guidance and laboratory support
- Creating prevention recommendations for families, schools, and healthcare facilities
- Sharing clear, science-based information with the public and health professionals

This content is adapted from the official CDC website. For the most current information, please visit cdc.gov/adenovirus.