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In general, infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become ill. That's because their immune systems have not been fortified by previous exposures to these viruses.
Treating EV-D68
There is no specific treatment for people with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68.
For mild respiratory illness, you can help relieve symptoms by taking over-the-counter medications for pain and fever however aspirin should not be given to children. In the case of severe respiratory illness, your child may need to be hospitalized. There are currently no antiviral medications available for people who become infected with EV-D68. Parents of children with asthma should be sure to discuss emergency asthma preparations with their child’s pediatrician.
Preventing EV-D68
You can help prevent yourself from becoming ill and spreading EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses by following some common sense precautionary measures.
- Encourage children to wash their hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Discourage them from touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and be sure to avoid close contact (such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils) with people who are sick.
- Teach your child to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not their hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if your child becomes ill or someone else in the home is sick.
- Keep sick kids at home. It helps viruses from spreading and allows your child to recover more quickly.
Additional illnesses can worsen enteroviruses so getting a flu shot, while not a prevention of EV-D68, will likely protect your child from the added risk that EV-D68 would present if the flu were contracted at the same time.
If you notice signs or symptoms of enterovirus, consult your child’s doctor. If you are concerned, go with your gut. This virus has proven itself fast acting and can become deadly overnight if left untreated.
Beth N. Davis writes from Silver Spring, MD, where she and her husband are raising their four children.
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