What exactly is EV-D68?

We’ve all seen the news stories lately, the ones where parents thought their child had a cold and the next thing they know, their child is having trouble breathing and requires hospitalization. Enterovirus D68 is the culprit, part of the family of viruses that includes the common cold.

Enteroviruses are common as kids head back to school, with an estimated 10 million to 15 million people infected each year. This particular type of enterovirus appears to be causing more severe cases than in the past and can be troublesome for children with asthma.

How do you get EV-D68 and what are the symptoms?

The virus is typically transmitted through close contact with an infected person, or by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.

Illness associated with the EV-D68 infection typically lasts about a week. Children may have severe cold symptoms with runny nose, sneezing and cough. But the illness can escalate quickly in some cases and cause difficulty breathing or wheezing.

While it is easy to panic when watching the news or reading the newspaper about children hospitalized with enterovirus, it is important to remember most children will not get dangerously ill from this virus.

Is my child with asthma at greater risk?

Yes, if your child has asthma, he or she is at higher risk of having respiratory complications from EV-D68. If you do not already have an asthma action plan, consider seeing your provider to develop one before your child becomes sick. Your provider can help ensure asthma is optimally controlled before cold and flu season hit full force!

While there is not a vaccine or medication for enterovirus, remember you can protect yourself and your children from the flu. Flu vaccines are now available at your primary care provider’s office. Remember, anyone with difficulty breathing or who appears seriously ill should see a healthcare provider right away.

How can I avoid infection, or complications from EV-D68?

These five simple tips people that can help people avoid infection or complications:

1. Everyone should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on a regular basis, especially after touching diapers.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

3. Avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

4. Stay home from work, daycare or school if you are sick.

5. Children and adults with asthma need to take their medication as prescribed, have an asthma control plan with their healthcare provider and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms worsen even after taking medication.

Ginger Allen, MD, is a family physician at Valley Medical Center’s Maple Valley Clinic.