This condition is caused by an adenovirus entering your body. Some ways this can happen are:

• Touching a surface or object that has an adenovirus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands.

• Coming in close physical contact with someone who has this type of infection. This may happen if you hug or shake hands with the person.

• Breathing in droplets that fly through the air when someone who has the infection talks, coughs, or sneezes.

• Having contact with stool (feces) that has the virus in it.

• Using a swimming pool that does not have enough chlorine in it. Chlorine is a chemical that kills germs.

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Spending a lot of time in places where there are many people. These include schools, summer camps, day care centers, community centers, and training centers for people who join the military.

• Being an older adult.

• Having a weak immune system. This is the body’s defense system.

• Having a disease of the respiratory system.

• Having a heart condition.

Adenovirus infections usually cause flu-like symptoms. When the virus enters the body, symptoms of this condition can take up to 14 days to develop. Symptoms may include:

• Having lung and breathing problems, such as:

  • Cough.

  • Trouble breathing.

  • Runny nose or stuffy (congested) nose.

• Feeling aches and pains, including:

  • Headache.

  • Stiff neck.

  • Sore throat.

  • Ear pain or congested ears.

  • Stomachache.

• Having digestive problems, such as:

  • Feeling nauseous or vomiting.

  • Having diarrhea.

• Having a fever.

• Having eye problems, such as pink eye (conjunctivitis), causing inflammation and redness.

• Rash.

• Less common symptoms include:

  • Being confused or not knowing the time of day or where you are (disoriented).

  • Having blood in your urine or having pain while urinating.

This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Your health care provider may order tests to make sure your symptoms are not caused by another problem. Tests can include:

• Blood tests.

• Urine tests.

• Stool tests.

• Chest X-ray.

• Tests of tissue or mucus from your throat.

This condition goes away on its own with time. Treatment for this condition involves managing symptoms until they go away. Your health care provider may recommend:

• Getting plenty of rest.

• Drinking more fluids than usual.

• Taking over-the-counter medicine to help relieve a sore throat, fever, or headache.

Lifestyle

• Do not drink alcohol.

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• Rest at home until your symptoms go away.

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.

• If you have a sore throat, gargle with a salt-water mixture 3–4 times a day or as needed. To make a salt-water mixture, completely dissolve ½–1 tsp (3–6 g) of salt in 1 cup (237 mL) of warm water.

• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.

Adenoviruses often are not killed by cleaning products and can remain on surfaces for a long time. To help prevent becoming infected or spreading infection:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

• Cover your mouth when you cough. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze.

• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and wash hands after touching these areas.

• Clean commonly used objects often.

• Do not use a swimming pool that does not have enough chlorine in it.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Do not go to school or work when you are sick.

• Do not share cups or eating utensils.