Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), What we need to know: This is the respiratory virus that has been in the news that has been sending many children to the hospital in this country. I have had many questions in the office from worried parents about this virus...I just wanted to share some specifics about this infection, because there has been some sensationalism and some distortion of the facts, due to all the media attention that this infection has received. This virus is an uncommon strain of a common family of viruses that infect children every year from summer until autumn. This particular strain, although uncommon, has been with us since at least the 1960s, and is different from its other family members in that it predominately causes cold and respiratory issues, as opposed to the other Enteroviruses that can cause anything from skin rashes (i.e, Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease) to GI upset (stomach bug) to fever illnesses, with or without a rash...Symptoms of this virus (EV-D68) can include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, maybe low grade fever, and even possibly a rash. MOST cases resolve themselves in a week or so, but in some children the infection can develop into a more serious condition, marked by wheezing and trouble breathing. Infants, and children with asthma are generally more susceptible to the disease becoming more serious. A point to be made though, is that this is not unlike other infections such as the Flu or RSV, that can also be very serious in infants (especially premature ones) and asthmatic or compromised children, and we see boatloads of these EVERY year! There is no specific vaccine or anti-viral medicine to eradicate the infection, however the infection is very treatable in much the same way as an asthma attach, with breathing treatments, steroids, and oxygen, if necessary. The important point to remember is that ANY respiratory illness that causes wheezing or difficulty breathing after having just minor cold symptoms, should be evaluated by the pediatrician...This is just a brief overview, if there is a concern please call and we would be happy to provide further information or help. Thank you, and remember good hand washing and sanitizer use works just as well for this infection as it does for other infections spread in this manner...
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 04:12:16 +0000
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