Enterovirus D68 is a virus that causes respiratory illness similar to the common cold. It can sometimes lead to severe breathing issues and outbreaks of neurological disease that cause paralysis. Enterovirus D68 mostly affects children and teens, but it also affects adults.
Symptoms of enterovirus D68 include:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Cough
- Fever
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
Enterovirus D68 is contagious and spreads when a person sick with the virus sneezes, coughs, or touches a surface without washing their hands.
If you have mild, cold-like symptoms, your healthcare provider likely won’t test you for enterovirus D68. However, if you have more severe symptoms, they might use a nasal swab to test for common viruses like the flu or COVID-19. If those results are negative, your provider may suspect the enterovirus if it is spreading in your area.
There isn’t a specific antiviral treatment to fight enterovirus D68. Mild symptoms usually improve in a week or two with minimal at-home care. Severe cases need to be treated in a hospital. If you have severe symptoms your healthcare provider may treat you with:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Bronchodilators for severe respiratory symptoms
- Intravenous immunoglobulin which is an antibody treatment that can help fight off infections
You can reduce your risk of getting sick and prevent infection of enterovirus D68 and spreading it to others by practicing good hygienic habits including:
- Sneezing or coughing into the crook of your elbow
- Disinfecting high-touch surfaces like toys, phones, countertops, and doorknobs
- Don’t share eating utensils, cups, towels, or clothing
- Keeping your kids home from school and away from gatherings when they’re sick
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom or changing diapers and before preparing or eating food
If your child is experiencing symptoms associated with enterovirus D68, it’s important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.