One of the hardest parts of this time of year is dealing with all of the sickness that comes with fall. It's practically impossible to avoid, between being out in the general public, and having kids in school. Cold and flu season can be incredibly frustrating for most, and for some, it can become deadly. Recently, seven children died as a result of an outbreak of Adenovirus, and 11 more have become sick. The outbreak happened at a care and rehabilitation center in New Jersey, but it still leads to understandable concern about the spread of the virus.

Just what exactly is Adenovirus though? Adenovirus is compromised of several very common viruses actually. According to WebMD, they can infect the lining of your eyes, airways and lungs, intestines, urinary tract and nervous system. It is definitely more common in children, they also mention. Common adenoviruses include: bronchitis, colds and respiratory infections, pink eye and pneumonia. While these are mostly easily treatable, adenovirus is deadly for those children with weakened immune systems, like the children in the facility in New Jersey were.

Upon initial inspection, the New Jersey Department of Health cited minor hand washing deficiencies. Because of the way the adenovirus spreads, hand washing is incredibly important. The germs can be spread if a child infected sneezes or coughs, or if they touch something that someone who has the virus has already touched. Adults can get the virus from changing the diaper of a child who has it and then not properly washing their hands afterwards. The Department of Health is conducting an ongoing investigation into the outbreak to figure out where it could have possibly started.

The strain that is going through the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in New Jersey is known as Adenovirus 7, which is often found in communal living spaces and can be more severe. And since the children in this center already have weak immune systems, even something that could be easily cured in a healthier child could be very, very dangerous. Until they can find a cause, the center isn't taking in any new patients, which is probably for the best.

Because these viruses are so common, they are almost unavoidable. But making sure that you're washing your hands frequently, cleaning all counter tops and communal surfaces, and making sure your children cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze can help prevent them.

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