Although adenoviruses are a ubiquitous pathogen, most people are more familiar with the generalized, cold-like symptoms they cause than the name. Adenovirus infections tend to occur seasonally and typically, are not severe. However, like many respiratory infections, adenoviruses spread easily in crowded environments, which is why military barracks are uniquely susceptible to outbreaks, and as with any outbreak — the more cases that occur, the more likely some will be severe.
