What is the Enterovirus?
The enterovirus is virus that can cause the common cold. There are many strains of enterovirus, just like there are many strains of the flu virus. Enteroviruses usually spread in summer and fall, putting us right in the middle of the enterovirus season.
What does Enterovirus D68 cause?
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a more severe virus, is the main type of enterovirus this year.
- Mild Symptoms: fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.
- Severe symptoms: wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Who will get the Enterovirus D68?
Almost all confirmed cases of EV-D68 this year have been in children.
How bad is the Enterovirus D68?
Although most kids will just get a cold, some kids are experiencing severe respiratory illness. This may result in hospitalization for difficulty breathing and low oxygen in the blood, which are treated with extra oxygen and ventilators. A few serious cases have gone to the intensive care unit (ICU). The risk is greater for children with asthma or a history of wheezing, but children with no history of asthma or wheezing have also been severely affected.
Do I need to bring my child to the hospital?
The hospital is a common place to spread the virus, or other illness. Some hospitals with confirmed cases are limiting visitors to reduce the spread. ONLY BRING YOUR CHILD TO THE HOSPITAL IF NECESSARY! Follow the steps below:
1) If your child is wheezing, breathing fast, has shortness of breath or difficult breathing go to the doctor.
2) If the treatments you have received from your doctor (like a puffer) or Naturopath seem to have no effect, and the symptoms are still persisting, consider going to the hospital.
3) If the child’s symptoms are worsening rapidly or there is continued trouble breathing, go to the hospital.
This illness can progress quickly. The biggest risk is decreased oxygen to vital organs and damage to the lungs. If your child seems to have trouble breathing, get it checked out ASAP.
If you need to go to the hospital, minimize the spread by washing your hands frequently (with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer) and avoid touching your face.
What is the treatment for Enterovirus D68?
Currently, there are no vaccines, anti-viral or other pharmaceutical medications for the virus.
Naturopathic treatment can be effective at killing the virus, encouraging the immune system to fight off the virus, and treat any respiratory symptoms that may arise. Your Naturopathic Doctor can also help you decide if you need to take your child to the emergency department.
How can I prevent Enterovirus D68?
Hand-washing and good hygiene practices can decrease your exposure to the virus.
Naturopathic treatments for immune enhancement can be very effective at decreasing your risk of catching and spreading the virus. It can also help to decrease the severity of your symptoms.
Is the Enterovirus D68 in Ontario?
The higher-than-normal incidence of this usually rare enterovirus started with Kansas and Missouri hospitals were reporting a high number of enterovirus-illnesses causing severe respiratory illnesses in children, requiring hospitalization.
It has quickly spread across the USA and entered Canada in September, first through Windsor, spreading to Ottawa, Hamilton and Toronto. Hospitals in these cities have confirmed cases, which are confirmed through a saliva sample tested at the hospital. It is likely that there are many more unconfirmed cases, which are not showing up at the hospital for testing.
BOTTOM LINE:
Enterovirus D68 is not to be taken lightly. With proper Naturopathic care, you can prevent hospitalization in your child.
1) Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face.
2) Talk to you Naturopathic Doctor about boosting your family’s immune system to prevent getting sick.
3) If your child has any respiratory symptoms (wheezing, difficulty breathing), bring them to your family doctor or Naturopathic Doctor.
4) If your child has quickly worsening or severe breathing symptoms, bring them to the emergency department at the hospital.
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