Does your little one get colds and coughs all the time? Sometimes it can be a common cold. However, if the cold becomes more severe and the child has difficulty breathing or makes a wheezing sound, it may be due to Enterovirus D68, which we are talking about today. Don't worry, if we are aware of this, we can manage this condition well.
Simply put, what is Enterovirus D68?
This is a virus that is similar to the virus that causes the common cold. However, in some cases, this virus can be a little more severe than the common cold. This virus is more likely to cause breathing difficulties and wheezing, especially if your child has other respiratory conditions, such as asthma .
This is not a new virus. It was first identified as far back as 1962. But in the past, very few people were sick from it. But since around 2014, cases of this virus spreading in different countries of the world have started to be reported. There are more than 100 types of enteroviruses. Among them, this type called D68 affects the respiratory system the most.
What are the symptoms of this disease? How do we recognize it?
The symptoms of this virus can range from mild to severe. Let's break this down clearly.
| Symptom level | Expected features |
|---|---|
| Mild symptoms |
These symptoms usually last about a week and then subside. |
| Severe symptoms |
This condition can occur due to inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchiolitis), especially in young infants and young children. |
Very rarely, and I mean very rarely, this virus can cause muscle paralysis or inflammation of organs like the brain and heart. But these are very rare.
Who is most at risk?
In fact, anyone can get this virus, but some groups are at higher risk of developing severe complications.
- Infants, toddlers, and young children: Children between the ages of 6 weeks and 16 years are especially susceptible to this virus. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to these types of viruses.
- Immunocompromised: People with a weakened immune system, for example, those undergoing cancer treatment, those who have had organ transplants, or those with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses, are at risk.
- People with chronic diseases such as asthma: If a child with asthma, in particular, becomes infected with this virus, the asthma condition may worsen and breathing difficulties may become severe.
How does this virus spread? How can we protect ourselves?
This spreads exactly the same way the common cold spreads.
- From an infected person: Through droplets of saliva released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- From dirty surfaces: By touching a surface such as doorknobs, toys, or tables that has been contaminated with the virus, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with that dirty hand.
Okay, so what should we do to protect ourselves from this? Be sure to follow these things.
| What to do to protect yourself | Important points |
|---|---|
| Wash your hands frequently. | Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. |
| Avoiding touching your face | Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands. Teach this habit to your children too. |
| Staying away from patients | Avoid hugging, kissing, and sharing food and drinks with people who are sick. |
| Surface cleaning | If someone in the house is sick, clean frequently touched items such as doorknobs, toys, and remote controls with disinfectant. |
| What to do if sick | If you or your child is sick, cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, wear a mask, wash your hands often, and stay in a separate room if possible to prevent spreading the illness to others. |
What are the treatments for this?
Since this is a viral infection, there is no specific medicine yet to kill this virus. Since this is not a bacterial infection, antibiotics will not be of any use.
Treatment is symptomatic. If you have a fever and body aches, you can take a painkiller like paracetamol on medical advice. It's just like treating a common cold.
But, remember this: If your child's symptoms are severe, meaning they are having difficulty breathing , their chest seems to be pulling in when they breathe, their breathing rate is very fast , or their lips or skin is turning blue , don't delay . Take your child to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. You may need to be hospitalized for treatment.
If your child has asthma and these symptoms appear, immediately follow the action plan your doctor has given you.
Take-Home Message
- Enterovirus D68 is a virus that starts like the common cold and can sometimes cause severe respiratory distress.
- Infants, young children, and people with diseases such as asthma are at higher risk.
- Fever, cough, and sputum discharge are common symptoms. Difficulty breathing and a wheezing sound from the chest are more severe symptoms.
- There is no specific medicine for this. Treatment is symptomatic. Antibiotics are of no use.
- If the child is having difficulty breathing, take him to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- The best ways to protect yourself are to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face with dirty hands, and stay away from people who are sick.
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