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Adenovirus Prevention
Adenoviruses are prolific viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses, including upper respiratory infections — such as colds — as well as pneumonia, gastrointestinal illness, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and even urinary tract infections.
What Is It?
Adenoviruses are prolific viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses, including upper respiratory infections — such as colds — as well as pneumonia, gastrointestinal illness, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and even urinary tract infections. There are 52 strains of adenovirus, and different strains cause different illnesses.
Symptoms and Treatment
The flu isn't the only virus that could leave you feeling feverish and generally miserable in winter — another virus, called adenovirus, can cause similar symptoms, although doctors don't routinely test for it. When a person has a respiratory infection caused by an adenovirus, it would be really hard to tell it apart from influenza, just by looking at it. Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, cough and runny nose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How Do Adenovirus Spread?
However, unlike the flu, adenovirus doesn't have a "striking seasonality”. Although outbreaks of adenovirus infections are most common in the late winter, spring and early summer, they can occur year-round, the CDC said. Wild-type adenoviruses are spread directly by oral, hand or skin contact, and droplets in the air or on the surface indirectly. It is possible for a person who is infected, but asymptomatic, to shed virus for many months or years.
How Can I Help Prevent the Spread of the AdenoVirus?
Vaccination is not currently available for common public. Note: Alcohol based products are not effective against adenovirus.
Practice proper hand hygiene. Wash hands carefully and frequently with soap and water. Use hand and skin cleansers.
Ensure frequent cleaning and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces. Use safer disinfectants for cleaner environment.
Cough or sneeze into elbows. Avoid coughing or sneezing into hands, which are more likely to spread bacteria, flu virus or the adenovirus through touch.
Moisturize and keep the air clean to prevent transmission, and to relieve symptoms
Stay home. Encourage those who are sick to stay home and limit contact with others.