What are adenoviruses?
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that typically cause respiratory illnesses such as a common cold, conjunctivitis (an infection in the eye), croup, bronchitis, or pneumonia. In children, adenoviruses usually cause infections in the respiratory tract and intestinal tract. Consider the following facts about adenoviruses: • Infection in children may occur at any age. • Adenoviral respiratory infections are most common in the late winter, spring, and early summer. Intestinal tract infections can occur anytime throughout the year. • Digestive tract infections are more common in children under the age of 4. • Most children have had one form of the infection by age 10.
