Adenovirus vs. RSV: What are the Differences & Similarities?

May 09 2025, by Tatianna Gerard, 18 min reading time

Adenovirus and RSV—two viruses that often bring about respiratory issues—can be tricky to tell apart. Both can cause symptoms that are similar to the common cold, such as coughing, a sore throat, or nasal congestion. But while they may look the same on the surface, these two viruses have distinct differences that are important to understand, especially if you're trying to figure out what’s behind your symptoms.

Adenovirus, a group of viruses that can affect various parts of the body, tends to cause a broad range of illnesses, including respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. On the other hand, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) primarily targets the lungs and is known for being particularly dangerous to young children and older adults.

In this blog, we'll break down the key similarities and differences between Adenovirus and RSV to help you identify what might be causing those symptoms, how they’re transmitted, and the best ways to manage and treat them.

What is Adenovirus?

Adenov i rus is a group of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses, from mild respiratory issues to more severe conditions. There are more than 50 different types of adenoviruses known to affect humans. Some of these types are primarily linked to respiratory infections, while others may cause gastrointestinal symptoms or even eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Though most adenovirus infections are mild and go away on their own, the virus can be more severe in certain individuals, such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Adenovirus spreads easily through respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.

Read more: What is Adenovirus & How Does It Affect Your Health?

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that primarily affects the respiratory system, causing infections in the lungs and airways. It is particularly known for causing bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children, making it one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in these age groups. However, RSV can also affect adults, especially the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, leading to severe respiratory issues.

RSV spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. Like adenovirus, RSV is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in close-contact environments such as schools, daycare centres, healthcare facilities, and more.

RSV infections tend to peak in the colder months, typically during fall and winter, but the virus can be active at other times of the year as well.

Similarities between Adenovirus and RSV

Adenovirus and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) are both respiratory infections that share several key characteristics, which can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish between them based on symptoms alone. Here are some of the main similarities between the two viruses:

1. Common symptoms

Both adenovirus and RSV can cause similar respiratory symptoms, including:

Cough: A persistent cough is common with both viruses.
Sore throat: Both can cause throat irritation or discomfort.
Nasal congestion and runny nose: Nasal symptoms are frequently observed in both infections, often leading to difficulty breathing through the nose.
Fever: A mild to moderate fever is typical for both adenovirus and RSV infections, especially in the early stages.

2. Transmission

Both adenovirus and RSV are highly contagious and spread in similar ways:

Respiratory droplets: Both viruses are transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or even talking, releasing droplets into the air that can be inhaled by others.
Direct contact: Touching an infected person, shaking hands, or close personal contact can pass the virus along.
Surface contamination: Adenovirus and RSV can survive on surfaces for a period of time, and touching contaminated surfaces before touching the face (eyes, nose, or mouth) can lead to infection.

Given their contagious nature, both viruses spread easily in settings where people are in close proximity to one another.

Key differences between Adenovirus and RSV

While Adenovirus and RSV share some similarities, they are distinct viruses that affect the body in different ways. Understanding the key differences between these two respiratory infections can help you identify the virus you're dealing with and determine the best course of action for treatment and recovery. Here are the most notable differences:

1. Types of illness

RSV: This virus mainly targets the lower respiratory tract, causing conditions such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia. It can cause wheezing and difficulty breathing, particularly in infants.
Adenovirus: Adenovirus is much more versatile and can cause a range of illnesses, including respiratory infections, gastrointestinal distress (such as diarrhoea and vomiting), eye infections (conjunctivitis), and even urinary tract infections. Respiratory symptoms caused by adenovirus can include fever, sore throat, cough, and congestion, but it doesn't typically cause the severe wheezing or difficulty breathing associated with RSV.

Adenovirus vs. RSV symptom comparison

Symptom	Adenovirus	RSV
Cough	✔	✔
Sore throat	✔	✘
Nasal congestion	✔	✔
Fever	✔	✔
Wheezing	✔	✔
Pneumonia	✔	✔
Diarrhoea	✔	✘
Vomiting	✔	✘
Abdominal pain	✔	✘
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)	✔	✘
Eye redness	✔	✘
Itching	✔	✘
Watery eyes	✔	✘
Pain or burning during urination	✔	✘
Frequent urination	✔	✘
Lower abdominal pain	✔	✘

2. Incubation period

RSV: The incubation period for RSV is typically 5 days, with a range of 2 to 8 days after exposure. This means that symptoms generally appear within a week of being exposed to the virus.
Adenovirus: The incubation period for adenovirus is usually longer, ranging from 2 to 14 days. This longer incubation period means it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to appear, which makes it harder to pinpoint when or where the virus was contracted, and it also increases the potential for unknowingly spreading the infection.

3. Duration of illness

RSV: Symptoms of RSV generally last for 7 to 14 days, but the infection can cause lingering coughing and wheezing for several weeks, particularly in children. Hospitalisation may be required if complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis develop.
Adenovirus: Adenovirus infections typically last a few days to two weeks, depending on the severity of the infection and whether complications arise. In many cases, the infection resolves with rest and home care, though the virus can sometimes cause lingering symptoms like a cough or mild fatigue.

4. Treatment options

RSV: There is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV, and treatment primarily focuses on supportive care, such as maintaining hydration, using fever reducers (paracetamol or ibuprofen), and in more severe cases, administering oxygen therapy or hospitalisation for respiratory support.
Adenovirus: Similar to RSV, adenovirus is generally treated with supportive care. However, because adenovirus can cause a broader range of symptoms (including eye infections and gastrointestinal issues), the treatment may vary. Symptomatic treatment such as hydration, pain relief, and rest is commonly recommended. In rare cases, antiviral medications may be used for severe infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Diagnosis and testing

Both Adenovirus and RSV share similar symptoms, which can make it challenging to tell them apart based on symptoms alone. That’s why diagnosis and testing are essential to confirm which virus is causing the illness.

How Adenovirus is diagnosed

Adenovirus infections are often diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. If the symptoms are severe or atypical, or if there are complications (like pneumonia or gastrointestinal distress), further testing may be needed.

Laboratory tests:

PCR Test: The most accurate method for diagnosing adenovirus is a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, which detects the virus’s genetic material from a sample taken from the throat, nose, or eyes.
Rapid Antigen Test: Some rapid antigen tests can also be used to detect adenovirus quickly, though they may be less accurate than PCR tests.
Cultures: In certain cases, a viral culture can be performed, where a sample of mucus or a swab from the throat is sent to the lab to see if adenovirus grows in a controlled environment.

How RSV is diagnosed

RSV is primarily diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, especially in infants and young children, who are most vulnerable to the virus. The diagnosis is often made through a combination of medical history and physical examination.

Laboratory tests:

Nasal Swab Test: The most common way to diagnose RSV is through a nasal swab test. The sample collected from the nose or throat is tested for RSV using methods like rapid antigen tests or PCR testing.
Chest X-ray: In more severe cases, doctors may also perform a chest X-ray to assess for pneumonia or other complications that can arise from RSV.
Pulse Oximetry: In cases of severe respiratory distress, doctors might use pulse oximetry to measure the oxygen levels in the blood, helping them assess the severity of respiratory symptoms caused by RSV.

At-home testing for Adenovirus and RSV

For individuals who are concerned about whether they have adenovirus or RSV, there are at-home rapid antigen tests available that can detect common respiratory viruses, including RSV and Adenovirus. These tests are convenient and can provide results within a short period of time, often just 15 minutes.

Certain test kits, like the Sonictec 5-in-1 Combo Rapid Antigen Test Kit, can detect multiple viruses, including RSV, Adenovirus, Influenza A/B, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). These tests require a simple nasal swab and are useful for quickly identifying the virus, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms and want to know if it’s one of these common respiratory infections.

Using an at-home test can be a convenient and helpful first step, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for a confirmed diagnosis and to discuss the next steps for treatment.

Treatment options for Adenovirus and RSV

Both Adenovirus and RSV are viral infections, which means antibiotics are not effective in treating them. Instead, the focus of treatment for both viruses is on managing symptoms and supporting the body as it fights off the infection. While there are some differences in how severe these infections can be, the general treatment approach for both adenovirus and RSV is quite similar, particularly for mild cases, such as:

Staying hydrated
Pain and fever relief with Paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen
Adequate rest
Cough relief with over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants, and using a humidifier

Respiratory support

In severe cases,respiratory support may be required:

Oxygen therapy: If either adenovirus or RSV leads to significant breathing difficulty, oxygen therapy may be administered in a hospital setting. This can help improve oxygen levels in the blood and ease breathing.
Ventilator support: In the most serious cases, especially for infants with RSV, mechanical ventilation may be required if the patient is struggling to breathe on their own.

Treatment for eye infections (Adenovirus)

If adenovirus causes conjunctivitis (pink eye), treatment generally focuses on symptom relief:

Warm compresses can help reduce discomfort and swelling around the eyes.
Artificial tears (over-the-counter lubricating eye drops) can help soothe irritation and keep the eyes moist.

Antiviral treatment (Rare)

For severe cases of adenovirus, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, antiviral medications such as cidofovir or brincidofovir may be considered. However, these treatments are typically reserved for the most severe infections and are not commonly used for healthy individuals with adenovirus.

Prevention

There is no specific antiviral treatment for adenovirus or RSV, but there are preventive measures you can take to avoid catching or spreading these infections:

Good hygiene: Regular handwashing (as well as using hand sanitisers), covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can reduce the spread of both viruses.
Avoid close contact: If you're sick, it's important to stay home and avoid contact with others, particularly those at higher risk of severe illness, such as young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
Wearing face masks: Wearing a face mask when you're sick or in crowded places can help reduce the transmission of both adenovirus and RSV, especially in public settings where social distancing is challenging.

Vaccines

While there is no vaccine for adenovirus in general, RSV vaccines are available for high-risk groups, such as premature infants or those with chronic lung disease.

In 2025, Australia introduced a national RSV immunisation program, the RSV-MIPP, offering free maternal RSV vaccines (Abrysvo) to pregnant women at 28-36 weeks to protect their babies. This program also includes infant RSV immunisation products for infants at high risk of severe RSV infection.

Know more about the vaccination program at the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care’s website here.

Conclusion

While Adenovirus and RSV may seem similar at first glance, understanding their differences and similarities can help you take the right steps towards diagnosis and treatment. Both viruses share common symptoms like cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion, but they also have distinct characteristics, such as the types of illnesses they cause and the groups most at risk.

Most cases of Adenovirus and RSV are manageable with supportive care, including hydration, fever relief, and plenty of rest. Another way to also reduce the chances of you contracting the illnesses is through methods of prevention like hand hygiene, wearing face masks, and even considering vaccination for RSV.

However, for those at higher risk—like infants, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems—seeking medical help early is key to avoiding complications.