The UK Health Security Agency has shared advice about “one of the most common causes of viral infections” that many people may never have heard of. Posting on X, it said: “While you might not have heard of adenovirus, most of us pick up this usually mild illness before our 10th birthday.”
Adenoviruses are a group of infections that can spread year-round, most commonly affecting babies and young children. There are many different types, meaning it is possible to be infected more than once throughout your life. A blog post by the UKHSA this month listed four common symptoms — fever, sore throat, runny or congested nose, and cough.
It said adenovirus can also cause other illness including conjunctivitis, lung infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, ear infections and stomach bugs.
The UKHSA advice added: “Adenovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily in settings where people are in close contact, such as nurseries, schools, hospitals and care homes.
“Adenoviruses can survive on surfaces for a long time, which is why shared objects can become sources of infection. Symptoms typically appear between two days and two weeks after exposure.”
Infections can usually be treated at home with rest, fluids, and paracetamol to ease a fever. The agency advised that using a humidifier or saltwater nose drops may also ease congestion.
The blog added: “Those with vomiting and diarrhoea who cannot drink enough fluids may need treatment for dehydration.
“In more severe cases, particularly in very young babies, elderly people, or those with weakened immune systems, hospital treatment may be necessary.”
Parents should seek help if a patient has a high fever or one that lasts more than a few days, difficulty breathing, or red eyes, eye pain or vision changes.
Severe diarrhoea, vomiting or signs of dehydration may also require medical attention, and infants under three months old or sufferers with weakened immune systems should also contact a doctor.
The UKHSA added that good hygiene is the best defence against adenovirus.
Steps that can reduce risk of spreading infections include keeping shared surfaces clean using a bleach solution, staying home if you have symptoms, washing hands frequently, and coughing and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
