February 19, 2025, 2:56 am | Read time: 4 minutes
There is neither a medication nor an approved vaccine against adenoviruses–yet every child experiences one or more infections with this persistent pathogen. FITBOOK author Friederike Ostermeyer explains what parents should know about the virus strain and how to respond correctly in case of infection.
Adenoviruses are tricky because they cause a variety of illnesses. An infection often manifests as conjunctivitis. Due to the numerous subtypes of adenoviruses, children are frequently reinfected. However, in most cases, an infection is harmless and often even asymptomatic.
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Overview
What are Adenoviruses?
Cough, runny nose, sore throat, red, itchy eyes, diarrhea, fever–adenoviruses have many “faces of illness.” They are not only extremely contagious but also very environmentally resistant. They can survive at room temperature for weeks and infect others.1 This makes the virus strain, which occurs worldwide and regardless of the season, a particularly successful “daycare germ,” leading to frequent local mini-epidemics. Toddlers and older children can handle it well, but infections in infants should be avoided.
Adenoviruses–Common Illnesses
Contagious Conjunctivitis and Keratitis (Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis)
Initially, an infection presents with itchy, watery, and light-sensitive eyes. The lymph nodes behind the ear may swell and enlarge. After two to four weeks, the inflammation subsides, but slightly blurred vision may persist for some time. Long-term effects like permanent vision impairment are extremely rare.2
Pharyngoconjunctival Fever
Pharyngoconjunctival fever, also known as swimming pool fever, occurs in connection with an adenovirus infection, primarily in children. It is characterized by high fever lasting three to five days, accompanied by headaches.3
Colds
Classic cold symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and fever can also occur. In childhood, about a quarter of all respiratory infections are caused by adenoviruses.
Gastrointestinal Complaints
Adenoviruses are the second most common cause of gastrointestinal infections in young children, after rotaviruses.4 Typical symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
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Course and Treatment
The good news: In healthy children, an adenovirus infection heals on its own without lasting damage and is generally considered harmless. There are no specific medications for adenoviruses, and no vaccine has been approved yet. Treatment is purely symptomatic, meaning fever-reducing medications, stomach-friendly diets, or anti-inflammatory eye drops. Unlike bacterial conjunctivitis, antibacterial eye drops do not help with an adenovirus-induced infection.
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Adenovirus Infection in Infants
The so-called maternal immunity can protect infants up to about six months of age. However, this immunity can only be built against diseases the mother has experienced or been vaccinated against.5
An adenovirus infection is therefore not ruled out in infants. If an infection occurs, it is life-threatening and often requires hospitalization.6 If there is even the slightest suspicion of an outbreak nearby, the newborn must be fully protected from possible transmissions. In this case, parents should urgently consult a pediatrician for further guidance.
Rotavirus in Children: Symptoms, Transmission and Protection
Childhood Illnesses Parents Should Know
Transmission
The viruses are primarily spread through hands (contact and droplet infection), where the pathogens adhere, but contaminated objects such as doors, handles, shared towels, fixtures, or toys also pose a risk. About five to twelve days after infection, the first symptoms appear, which can last up to two weeks.
Protection and Prevention
Hygiene measures must be strictly followed: Do not touch your eyes with your hands, use towels only for yourself and wash them regularly, wash hands thoroughly several times a day, and clean surfaces. Since the adenovirus is resistant to many disinfectants, it is important to use a product with proven adenovirus efficacy (virucidal, limited virucidal plus).7 And very important: Do not send the child back to daycare or school too early, as the risk of infection persists even after symptoms have subsided.