Adenovirus (add-eh-noe-VY-rus) is a viral infection that causes fever, eye redness, and other cold symptoms in kids. The infection usually lasts a few days to a week or two. At home, you can keep your child comfortable and hydrated.

• If your child has a fever and your health care provider says it's OK, you can use this medicine as directed:
  • acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand) 
• Do not give aspirin to your child, as it has been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• It is OK if your child does not want to eat much while they're sick.
• To prevent dehydration, offer plenty of clear liquids, like a children's oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte®, Enfalyte®, or a store brand), ice pops, gelatin, or water ice.
• Encourage all family members to wash their hands well and often to prevent spreading the virus.
• Your child should stay home until the fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

Your child:

• is very tired or seems weak
• is not drinking
• has a fever that lasts for more than a few days
• has eye pain or changes in vision

Your child:

• is very fussy and cannot be consoled
• seems to have pain or stiffness when moving the neck
• has any of these signs of dehydration:
  • a dry or sticky mouth
  • peeing less
  • no tears when crying
  • dizziness or drowsiness

Can adenovirus cause other symptoms? Yes, children with adenovirus can have eye discharge, tearing, or a feeling that something is in the eye. Some kids may also have stomach symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or belly pain. A few children may develop encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation or swelling of the brain or membranes that cover the brain). Signs of this include headache, vomiting, a stiff neck, and confusion.

Is adenovirus contagious? Yes, adenovirus is very contagious. It spreads easily among people who have close contact. This can happen in settings like child care centers, schools, hospitals, and summer camps. The virus can spread through contaminated water in pools and lakes during the summer. It's important for kids and caregivers to wash their hands and keep kids out of group settings until symptoms are gone.