Germ School

Most active in spring and early summer, the adenoviruses are more likely to cause illness in younger children than in adults or older children. Symptoms vary widely and may include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and cough.

Pertussis is highly contagious. Outbreaks are most common in late summer and early fall. The bacteria spread person-to-person through coughs, sneezes, laughs—anything that produces a spray that can be breathed in by someone else.

Younger children are most commonly affected by enteroviruses (such as hand, foot, and mouth disease), which are more active in summer and early fall. Enterovirus illness typically lasts 3 to 4 days and may cause fever, mouth sores, rash, and other symptoms.

In Utah, the flu “season” is fall and winter. It brings sudden symptoms such as fever, chills, and cough. Because it can be dangerous for young children and older adults, everyone over age 6 months should get a yearly seasonal flu shot.

This virus is most active in the winter. It usually causes only mild, “cold-like” symptoms but can trigger serious breathing problems in babies.

Parainfluenza is most active in fall and winter. Symptoms vary and can range from mild to life-threatening. A common cause of croup, it can cause serious illness in babies and younger children.

RSV is most active in the winter and early spring. In older children and adults, it usually brings only mild “cold-like” symptoms — but babies and younger children are at risk for serious complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Rhinovirus can bring on all of the familiar symptoms of a cold: runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, headache, cough, and body aches. In Utah, it circulates year-round, but is most active in the winter months.​​