Are you aware of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), which starts like a common cold?

Does your little one often get colds and coughs? We all know that these are normal things for young children. But sometimes, behind such a common illness, there may be a virus that we should be a little concerned about. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one such virus. Don't worry, this is usually not serious. But it is very important for you and your family to be aware of this.

Simply put, what is Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)?

This is a virus. To be precise, it infects our respiratory system, that is, the system that is involved in breathing. It mostly affects children and young adults. However, it can also affect adults.

Most of the time, when this virus is contracted, it causes symptoms similar to a common cold. That means fever, cough, and runny nose. So we may not take it seriously.

However, for some people, especially young children, it can cause severe respiratory distress. Even more rarely, the virus can cause a neurological condition called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) . This is a sudden, severe weakness of the body's muscles, leading to paralysis. Although this serious condition is rare, it is important to be aware of it.

What are these symptoms? How do we take care of them?

Let's look at the symptoms of this virus. It's easier to understand if you break it down into two parts. One is the basic symptoms that are usually seen, and the other is the severe symptoms that we should be very concerned about.

How does this virus spread from person to person?

Yes, this is a contagious disease. This means it can spread easily from one person to another. There are several main ways it can be spread:

• By sneezing or coughing: Through droplets of saliva that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• By touching infected surfaces: Touching objects such as toys, doorknobs, tables, etc. that have been contaminated with the virus and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes with the same hand.
• By sharing utensils: By using the same cups, plates, spoons, etc.
• By touching infected feces: This may sound a bit unpleasant, but it's true. For example, not washing your hands thoroughly with soap after changing a child's diaper or using the toilet can spread the virus.

What other complications can this cause?

In addition to the AFM condition we discussed earlier, the EV-D68 virus can cause several other complications.

• Pneumonia: This means the lungs are infected and filled with fluid.
• Encephalitis: An infection and swelling of the brain.
• Meningitis: An infection and swelling of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

People with asthma or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe respiratory problems if they contract the virus. Also, children under the age of 7 are at higher risk of developing the nervous system disease called AFM.

How is it treated? What can I do at home?

There is no specific antiviral treatment yet to eradicate the EV-D68 virus. Treatment is based on symptoms.

Things you can do at home

If you have normal, mild symptoms, they will usually get better on their own in about a week or two. During that time, you can do the following:

• Drink plenty of water and fluids. Get plenty of rest.
• If your nose is stuffy, taking a hot shower or staying in a steamy bathroom for a while can loosen mucus and provide relief.
• You can take painkillers for fever and body aches. However, before giving any medicine to your child, you should definitely ask your doctor and only give the dosage he or she prescribes.

Hospital treatment

If the symptoms are severe, hospitalization and treatment may be necessary. The doctor may assess the patient's condition and provide the following treatments:

• Reduce swelling with medications like `Corticosteroids` .
• If you have severe breathing difficulties, use bronchodilators (like nebulizers) to make breathing easier.
• Antibody treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin to help the body fight infections.

When should I go to a hospital (ETU) immediately?

If you or your child has any of these symptoms, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

• Severe difficulty breathing.
• Blue discoloration of the skin, lips, or fingernails (cyanosis). This means that the body is not getting enough oxygen.
• Any symptoms of AFM, such as difficulty speaking, muscle weakness, or paralysis.
• Confusion or loss of consciousness.

How can I protect myself from this infection?

As with any infectious disease, the best way to protect yourself from this one is to practice cleanliness and proper hygiene.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. It is important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after using the toilet, changing children's nappies, and before eating or preparing food.
• When coughing or sneezing, cough into the inside of your elbow or into a tissue.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces (toys, doorknobs, phones) with disinfectant.
• Do not share eating utensils, cups, spoons, towels, or clothes with others.
• If your child is sick, keep them home from school. And avoid taking them to crowded places.

Finally, when you hear the word Enterovirus D68, you may feel scared when you hear about things like paralysis. That's normal. But remember, these serious complications are very rare. Most people get it and it goes away like a common cold. The most important thing is to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical advice immediately if you notice any danger signs.

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