If you have a cough, sniffles or a sore throat, there’s a chance you picked up an infection from an adenovirus. Adenoviruses are usually mild and go away on their own without medical treatment. But you should call your healthcare provider if you have a compromised immune system.

Most adenovirus infections are mild and may be managed with rest and over-the-counter pain medicines or fever reducers to help relieve symptoms. Always read the label and use medications as directed. If you have concerns, you should speak with your healthcare provider.

Adenoviruses can be transmitted from person to person year-round, in people of all ages. They may cause cold-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, but they can also cause other symptoms such as diarrhea or conjunctivitis (pink eye). In rare cases, they can lead to bronchitis or even pneumonia.

If they have symptoms at all, most kids with an adenovirus infection will have respiratory symptoms similar to those of a cold: a fever, runny or stuffy nose, or sore throat. If they also...

a sore throat; acute bronchitis; pneumonia; conjunctivitis, or pink eye; acute gastroenteritis and inflammation of the stomach or intestines