What to Know about the Enterovirus

We’re hearing a lot about the Enterovirus and have seen a lot of kids coming into the immediate care center with respiratory issues. This is a virus that can affect the body’s respiratory system. Much like the common cold virus, it is transmitted from person to person by an infected person’s sneeze, cough or touch to a contaminated surface.

The CDC reports that 10-15 million people in the US are infected with enterovirus each year. Most cases of enterovirus occur during the summer and fall months. Children are more prone to infection because their bodies have not yet built up immunity from previous years of exposure like adults.

Common symptoms are fever, body aches, sneezing, nasal congestion, cough and/or rash. More severe symptoms include wheezing and shortness of breath. This particular year, the US has experienced widespread enterovirus activity that has caused respiratory complications in many children. There are a small number of cases in which there can be heart and brain damage due to this infection. Fortunately, the majority of patients who develop enterovirus will have mild to moderate symptoms only.

There is no specific treatment like antiviral medication to treat enterovirus infections. Thus, treatment is supportive and directed towards symptoms. As with the common cold, it is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Over the counter cold medications can also be helpful.

In those cases where there are signs of respiratory distress such as rapid breathing, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath or any other signs of increased work of breathing it is important to seek medical care immediately. There is medication such as albuterol for breathing treatments and/or inhalers that may be used.

Unfortunately, there is no enterovirus vaccine but, there are some simple ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. Tips to prevent developing or transmitting enterovirus are:
1) Wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water for 20 seconds.
2) Stay home from school or work if you are very ill and avoid those who are ill if you are well.
3) Keep commonly used objects and surfaces clean with disinfectants.