What are the symptoms of Enterovirus/EV-D68 infection?
· Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.
· Severe symptoms may include wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Anyone with respiratory illness should contact their doctor if they are having difficulty breathing or if their symptoms are getting worse.
How does the virus spread?
EV-D68 likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches a surface that is then touched by others.
How can I protect myself?
You can help prevent yourself from getting and spreading EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses by following these steps:
· Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
· Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
· Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
· Stay home when you are sick.
There are no vaccines for preventing EV-D68 infections.
What should people with asthma and children suffering from reactive airway disease do? Children with asthma are at risk for severe symptoms from EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses. They should follow CDC’s guidance to maintain control of their illness during this time.
CDC recommends:
· Discuss and update your HYPERLINK "https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/actionplan.html"asthma action plan with your primary care provider.
· Take your prescribed asthma medications as directed, especially long term control medication(s).
· Be sure to keep your reliever medication with you.
· Get a flu vaccine when available.
· If you develop new or worsening asthma symptoms, follow the steps of your asthma action plan. If your symptoms do not go away, call your doctor right away.
· Parents should make sure the child’s caregiver and/or teacher is aware of his/her condition, and that they know how to help if the child experiences any symptoms related to asthma.
Jacqueline Carson
Health Services
10/09/2014 |