A mysterious virus continues to spread across the U.S. It’s making many children sick and even hospitalizing some.
It’s called “enterovirus D68” and has already affected more than 1,000 children in 10 states.
Dr. Giovanni Piedemonte, a pediatric pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s says the virus is characterized by flu-like symptoms, which in most cases can be managed at home.
But if it becomes something with a significant cough and a temperature, particularly if the child is having trouble breathing, definitely, in my opinion they should contact the pediatrician’s office,” says Dr. Piedemonte.
This particular type of enterovirus is uncommon, but it is not new. It was first identified in the 1960s. It spreads like the common cold: coughing, sneezing, or crossing paths with people and things already infected with the virus. There is no treatment for the virus and no anti-viral medications, but no cases have become fatal.
Experts believe the virus may be spreading more rapidly now that school is in session.
Piedemonte says that your child’s best chance at decreasing the risk of contracting “enterovirus D68” is to practice good hand hygiene.
“Washing hands or disinfecting hands is going to reduce the chance of getting infected,” explains Dr. Piedemonte.
He also notes that kids with asthma or other respiratory conditions may run the risk of being hospitalized.
Article courtesy of Cleveland Clinic News Wire. For more information, visit health.clevelandclinic.org
