The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a reminder about a widespread but frequently overlooked virus that is believed to infect the majority of people in Britain before they reach the age of ten. While winter brings a host of familiar seasonal illnesses, adenovirus operates year-round and can lead to a range of health complications.
What is Adenovirus and How Does it Spread?
Adenoviruses are highly infectious and are known for causing a variety of symptoms, often mistaken for a common cold. Unlike influenza, these viruses do not follow a strict seasonal pattern and can circulate at any time of the year.
The virus spreads most easily in environments where people are in close contact. Schools, nurseries, and hospitals are common hotspots for transmission. Infection can occur through contact with contaminated surfaces or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
While anyone can contract an adenovirus, babies and young children are the most commonly affected groups. The UKHSA notes that most individuals will have encountered the virus during early childhood.
Recognising the Symptoms and Potential Complications
Initial signs of an adenovirus infection are typically mild and can include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, fever, and a cough. Symptoms usually appear between two days and two weeks after exposure.
However, the agency warns that the infection can sometimes pave the way for more serious secondary illnesses. These complications can include:
- Gastroenteritis (a 'tummy bug')
- Ear infections
- Croup (a 'barking' cough in children)
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Conjunctivitis (adenoviral conjunctivitis)
For most healthy individuals, the infection will run its course without medical intervention, lasting from a few days up to two weeks. More severe cases may take longer to resolve.
When to Seek Medical Advice
The UKHSA advises that while most cases are mild, certain symptoms warrant contacting a doctor. You should seek medical advice if the person affected:
Experiences red eyes, eye pain, or any changes in vision.
Has difficulty breathing.
Suffers from severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or shows signs of dehydration.
Has a high fever or a fever that lasts more than a few days.
Is under three months old or has a weakened immune system.
The agency emphasises that individuals with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing serious infections from the virus. Full guidance on adenovirus is available on the official UKHSA website.
