Overview
- UKHSA reports laboratory positivity in England dropped from 1.7% to 1.2% in the week ending 14 December, with the highest rate in under‑5s at 5.7%.
- Public‑health experts stress adenoviruses are long‑known seasonal pathogens rather than a new disease, even as clinicians report more activity this winter.
- According to the CDC, symptoms range from cold‑ or flu‑like illness and sore throat to conjunctivitis and gastroenteritis, with red, gritty eyes and a persistent sore throat frequently highlighted.
- There is no specific antiviral or widely available vaccine for common adenoviruses, so care focuses on rest, fluids and over‑the‑counter pain or fever relief.
- Adenoviruses spread via droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces and fecal shedding and can persist in the environment, posing greater risk to young children, older adults and immunocompromised people.