What Parents Need to Know About Enterovirus D68
Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html
Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html
Several hospitals in the U.S. are seeing more children than usual with severe respiratory illness caused by Enterovirus D68.
What are the symptoms?
Enterovirus D68 has been reported to cause mild to severe respiratory illness. However, the full spectrum of EV-D68 illness is not well-defined.
Symptoms of a respiratory virus can include:
Symptoms of a respiratory virus can include:
- Fever
- Runny nose, sneezing, cough
- Skin rash
- Mouth blisters
- Body and muscle aches
How is it transmitted?
Enterovirus D68 can be found in respiratory secretions such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. The virus likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, and a healthy person touches contaminated surfaces.
Prevention
There are no vaccines for the prevention of Enterovirus D68 infections.
You can help protect yourself from respiratory illnesses by following these steps:
You can help protect yourself from respiratory illnesses by following these steps:
- Wash you and your child’s hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick
What should you do if you suspect your child has a respiratory virus?
Parents should seek medical attention If your child is having cold and flu like symptoms that are more severe than usual. Seek immediate medical care if your child is having trouble breathing.
