Enterovirus D68

What is enterovirus D68?

Enterovirus D68 (Ev-D68) – вирус, который может привести к возникновению инфекции легких и дыхательных путей различной степени тяжести – от легкой до тяжелой.

Causes of infection of enterovirus D68

EV-D68 passes from person to person through infected bodily fluids from the mouth and nose. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus with droplets of fluid enters the air. Healthy people, located near the infected, can breathe in infected particles. The virus may also exist on the surface of the skin, If it got infected fluid. But not all people, who come into contact with the virus, developing an infection.

Risk factors ènterovirusa D68

Increased risk of infecting susceptible babies, because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Children and adolescents are at increased risk due to the high speed of infection, inefficient use of preventive hygiene practices and lack of exposure to the virus in the past, D68, that protects against infection.

Factors, that can increase the risk of a child this respiratory infection include:

• Asthma;
• Scarping breathing.

Symptoms ènterovirusa D68

Mild symptoms similar to a cold and include:

• Fever;
• Cold;
• Sneezing;
• Cough;
• Muscle aches.

More severe symptoms may include:

• Scarping breathing;
• Labored breathing.

Diagnostics ènterovirusa D68

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.

If you have severe symptoms or signs of long infection, may be assigned additional tests to confirm the presence of EV ènterovirusa-D68:

• Analysis of nasal mucus;
• Selection culture of bacteria from the throat;
• Fecal;
• Blood tests;
• Poyasnichnaya puncture.

Treatment of infection of enterovirus D68

Treatment is assigned based on the severity of the disease and may include:

Mild enterovirus infection D68

Light infections do not require special treatments. The goal is, to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, While the body fights off the virus. In this case, antibiotics are not assigned, because they are effective against bacteria, but not against viruses.

Procedures, to help alleviate the symptoms of enterovirus infection D68:

• It is necessary to drink plenty of fluids, to accelerate the excretion of infection through the nose;
• A humidifier will help reduce the cough and reduce respiratory tract irritation;
• You want to wash out the nose with salt water, to remove the mucus from the nasal passages;
• To reduce pain and fever, You can take light painkillers, otpuskaemыe without prescription.

Note: Children and teens with a current or recent viral infection should not take aspirin, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Ask the doctor, What other medicines are safe for your child.

Heavy infection of enterovirus D68

Severe infections cause respiratory problems and bronchitis. They may require treatment in a hospital. The treatment will be aimed at opening the airway, and sometimes on respiratory support with an additional oxygen supply. Treatment may include:

• Air humidification;
• Additional supply of oxygen in the respiratory tract;
• Medication, to improve breathing;
• In some cases you may need mechanical ventilation, If you or your child can't breathe without additional assistance.

Prevention of enterovirus infection D68

Currently there is no vaccine to combat the EV-D68. To reduce the chance of contracting any respiratory infection:

• Wash your hands as often as possible. This is especially important after human contact, that may be infected with respiratory or other infection;
• Avoid touching your face, and do not rub your eyes;
• If there is someone with a respiratory infection, to keep his cutlery and glasses separately from other family members, and wash them in hot soapy water;
• You need to regularly wash surfaces, which often touch hands, such as faucets and door handles;
• You need to follow the recommendations of the doctor in the treatment of asthma or other respiratory diseases. This may include vaccines against influenza.