It is spread very easily
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning over a ‘common respiratory infection’ that has the potential to trigger a range of other illnesses, such as bronchitis and gastroenteritis. Whilst it predominantly affects children and infants, individuals across all age groups remain susceptible throughout the year.
In a post on X, previously known as Twitter, the UKHSA stated: “While you might not have heard of adenovirus, most of us pick up this usually mild illness before our 10th birthday.”
The agency went on to explain: “Adenovirus is a common respiratory infection that can cause other illnesses like conjunctivitis, bronchitis, croup, ear infections, and gastroenteritis.”
Through a blog post, the UK Government body delved deeper into the characteristic symptoms, which may present as a fever, sore throat, nasal congestion or a runny nose, and a cough.
Whilst typically mild and frequently confused with a ‘common cold’, an adenovirus infection can pose greater risks for those with compromised immune systems. In contrast to influenza, which tends to surge during winter months, adenovirus infections don’t adhere to a seasonal pattern, meaning they can emerge at any point during the year, reports the Mirror.
The virus is also ‘highly contagious’ and transmits with ease in environments where individuals are in close proximity, including nurseries, schools and hospitals. Person-to-person transmission typically happens through one of five routes, which include:
- 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 further stated: “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.”
Thankfully, the majority of adenovirus infections resolve naturally with adequate rest and hydration. Whilst most cases persist for several days to a fortnight, some may require a longer recovery period.
People suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea might need treatment to address dehydration. In more severe instances, particularly amongst very young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, hospital admission could be necessary.
The blog continued: “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 primary indicators of adenovirus include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Runny or congested nose
- Cough
However, typically, you will only need to seek medical advice if one or more of the following circumstances 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
