Strict hand washing is important to prevent the spread of adenoviruses to other infants, children, and adults. If your child is in the hospital, healthcare workers will wear special isolation apparel, such as gowns and gloves, when they enter your child's room.

Consider the following complications that may develop from an adenovirus infection. Consult your child's physician for more information.

• Children who develop pneumonia from adenovirus may develop chronic lung disease. However, this is very rare.

• Children with weakened immune systems are at risk for developing a more severe infection from adenoviruses.

• A severe complication of intestinal adenovirus is intussusception (an intestinal blockage that occurs when one part of the intestine slides over another section like a telescope.) This is a medical emergency and most often occurs in babies. The symptoms of intussusception may include bloody stool, vomiting, abdominal swelling, knees flexed to chest, loud cries from pain, weakness, and lethargy.