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What is enterovirus D68? — Enterovirus D68 is a virus that can cause an infection similar to the common cold. In some cases, it can cause severe trouble breathing. The virus, sometimes called "EV-D68," tends to affect children more often than adults.
Small numbers of EV-D68 infections have happened in the United States for many years. When an outbreak happens, it is usually in the late summer and early fall.
When there is no outbreak going on, people who get sick with cold-like symptoms are not likely to have EV-D68.
What are the symptoms of EV-D68? — Children with EV-D68 can have regular cold symptoms, like a runny nose, fever, or cough. But they can also have trouble breathing. They might feel like they can't get enough air, or like they have to work harder than usual to breathe. They might also have wheezing (noisy breathing). Children who already have asthma might be more likely to have serious breathing problems if they get infected with EV-D68.
In rare cases, children with EV-D68 can have serious problems with their muscles. The muscles can become weak, or stop working (called "paralysis").
Should my child see a doctor or nurse? — Yes. If your child is having trouble breathing, or if you think they might have EV-D68, call their doctor or nurse. The doctor or nurse can tell you if you should go to the emergency department.
You should also call a doctor or nurse right away if your child refuses to drink anything for a long time, acts confused or extremely tired, or stops responding to you.
Is there a test for EV-D68? — Yes. There is a test for the EV-D68 virus. But most hospitals are not able to run the test themselves. Instead, they have to send samples (of mucus or saliva) to government-run labs for testing. As a result, it might take a little while to know for sure what the results are.
How is EV-D68 treated? — Usually, EV-D68 is treated like a regular cold, and goes away on its own. There is no specific medicine used to treat it, and antibiotics do not help. In serious cases where the child is having trouble breathing, they might need treatment in the hospital. This can include giving the child extra oxygen, or using machines to help them breathe.
If your child has mild cold symptoms, keep them comfortable. Children who are in pain can take nonprescription pain medicines such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). Never give aspirin to a child younger than 18 years. In children, aspirin can cause a serious problem called Reye syndrome.
If your child is younger than 6 years, do not give them any cold medicines. These medicines are not safe for young children.
Can EV-D68 be prevented? — Yes. You can do the following to help prevent the spread of this infection:
●Make sure your child washes their hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom.
●Keep your home clean and disinfect tabletops, toys, and other things that a child might touch.
●If you think your child might have EV-D68 or another contagious illness, keep them away from other people. Teach your child to cover their sneezes and coughs.
●Avoid touching people who are sick, and do not share cups or eating utensils.
●If your child has asthma, follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Be sure to give your child all the medicines the doctor prescribes. Children with asthma might be more likely to have breathing problems if they get infected with EV-D68.
There is no vaccine to prevent enterovirus D68.
For more information about EV-D68, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at: www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html.
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