October 30, 2014 / Mike Siegel MD
Recently, there have been reports in the press of cases of an infection caused by Enterovirus D 68. This virus has been around for many years. The infections occur annually from July through October. Children tend to be more affected by the virus than adults. People with this type of infection usually present with flu-like symptoms that resolve spontaneously. Children with other respiratory problems may get severe symptoms with this infection causing hospitalization for severe distress. Even more alarming, there have been some cases where children develop polio-like paralysis with the illness.
There is no vaccine to prevent, or any medication to treat, the infection. However, there are ways to decrease your chances of spreading and getting it. The most common methods include the same ones used to prevent catching other types of infection caused by a respiratory virus.
Category: Children / Physical Health