Adenovirus: Symptoms, Treatment & Vaccine Guide

← Diseases beginning with A
Special-risk vaccine

Adenovirus

A large family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness, pink eye, or gastroenteritis.

CauseAdenovirus illness is caused by infection with one of many human adenoviruses. Depending on the type, the virus can spread through close contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated hands or surfaces, or contact with infected stool.
SymptomsFever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, pink eye, or diarrhea and vomiting, depending on the virus type.
Typical durationOften several days to about two weeks; severe illness can last longer.
Vaccine statusSpecial-risk vaccine

What causes Adenovirus?

Adenovirus illness is caused by infection with one of many human adenoviruses. Depending on the type, the virus can spread through close contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated hands or surfaces, or contact with infected stool.

Symptoms and what to notice

Fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, pink eye, or diarrhea and vomiting, depending on the virus type.

How long can it last?

Often several days to about two weeks; severe illness can last longer.

How serious is Adenovirus?

Usually mild, but pneumonia and other severe complications can occur, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Treatment and management

Usually rest, fluids, and symptom care. Severe cases need medical assessment; there is no routine adenovirus-specific antiviral treatment.

Vaccine name, eligibility, doses, and cost

Product: Adenovirus Type 4 and Type 7 Vaccine, Live, Oral (no trade name). It is a one-time oral dose of two tablets for eligible U.S. military personnel ages 17-50 and is not available to the general public.

Approximate U.S. cost: The vaccine is not available to the U.S. general public, so there is no meaningful consumer retail price. Eligible military personnel receive it through the Department of Defense.

Official U.S. guidance

Read the current CDC guidance for Adenovirus →

Understanding prices: Patient cost varies by insurance, provider, location, and eligibility. Many recommended vaccines are covered with no out-of-pocket cost under qualifying plans, and eligible children may receive vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. CDC price lists are purchasing benchmarks—not guaranteed patient prices. CDC price context.

Health note: This page gives general U.S. educational information. Vaccine choice and timing depend on age, medical history, previous doses, pregnancy, travel, exposure, and current public-health guidance. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.