There have been recent calls from concerned parents hearing news that our community may be affected by the recent outbreak of Enterovirus D68. This is a rare strain of a common summer virus that can result in more robust respiratory symptoms than other strains of enteroviruses. In children with a history of asthma or reactive airway disease, this virus may cause an asthma attack that may be mild to severe. It is a viral infection, so there is no specific medication that can be given to treat the virus and there is no vaccine that can be given to prevent it. The only treatment is supportive and the only prevention is handwashing. The seasonal flu vaccine does not provide any protection against this virus. If you feel your child is having respiratory problems such as a severe cough, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, etc, you should seek medical services to evaluate their respiratory status and need for any supportive care. If they have no breathing issues and symptoms only include low grade fever, mild cough, sore throat and runny nose, keep any eye on them and contact your doctor if their symptoms worsen.
