Adenovirus Signs and Symptoms
Adenovirus is a type of virus that causes upper respiratory infections producing symptoms resembling those of the common cold. Adenoviruses include 49 DNA-containing viruses identified by sequential letters and numbers that can cause infection in eyes, upper respiratory tract, and the gastrointestinal system.
Although characteristics of the adenoviruses vary, they are all transmitted either by direct contact, by fecal-oral transmission, or by contact with contaminated water. Respiratory infections caused by adenoviruses occur by contact with infectious material from another person or object; secretions from the respiratory tract may contain the virus. The virus also can survive for many hours on inanimate objects such as doorknobs, hard surfaces, and toys. Transmission of the digestive strain of the virus usually occurs by fecal-oral contact. This usually occurs from poor hand-washing or from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.