07 Aug 2022 – 9:00 p.m.
The enteroviruses are a large group of viruses that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Among these syndromes are Echovirus, Poliovirus, D68 (EV-D68)among others.
In the case of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), causes flu-like symptoms, which can be severe. The group most affected are infants and children under 15 years of age, while adults are at less risk, since they are immune to the virus due to their previous exposure.
According to the website Medline Plus, is spread through fluids in the respiratory tract such as saliva, phlegm, feces, nasal fluids, and fluid from sores or blisters. Infection can occur in the following situations:
- Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth
- Inhaling airborne contaminated droplets
- Having close contact such as kisses, hugs, or handshakes with a sick person
What are the symptoms?
In most children, this virus causes symptoms similar to those of influenza, or the flu, which do not require further medical attention. However, those with asthma are more prone to respiratory problems and complications that can lead to hospitalization.
Some of the symptoms for enteroviruses are:
- Fever
- runny nose
- sneezing
- Cough
- Body and muscle aches
- Wheezing (whistling) breathing
- Difficulty breathing
How to prevent the spread of enterovirus?
There is no vaccine to prevent an EV-D68 infection. Neverthelessthere are hygiene measures that will prevent such a disease if small children live in the home:
- Wash your hands with soap frequently.
- Do not put unwashed hands near your eyes, mouth, or nose.
- Do not share glasses or cutlery with someone who is sick.
- Avoid close contact, such as handshakes, kisses, and hugs, with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces like toys or doorknobs often.
- Stay home when you are sick and keep your children home if they are sick.
Other types of enteroviruses
Hand, foot and mouth disease
It is a mild and contagious viral infection that is common in young children, as it is characterized by the presence of sores in the mouth and a skin rash on the hands and feet, due to contact with contagious surfaces that then go on to spread. give to the mouth
hemorrhagic conjunctivitis
It is a highly transmissible viral disease characterized by subconjunctival hemorrhage which has spontaneous resolution in 5 to 7 days. This produces sudden swelling of the eyelids, congestion, redness and pain of the eye.
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