Key Facts
- EV-D68 is spread by coming in contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person.
- A lot of people became sick with EV-D68 in 2014. Less people have become sick since then; however, it is still a serious illness particularly for people with certain respiratory conditions such as asthma.
- You can lower your risk of getting EV-D68 with good hand washing.
What is enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)?
Enterovirus D68, pronounced “enter-o-vy-rus” is one of a family of 100 enteroviruses that causes respiratory and other symptoms that can be mild to severe. Mild symptoms include: runny nose, sneezing, and coughing, fever, and body aches. Severe symptoms include: wheezing and trouble breathing.
How do people get this virus?
The virus is found in an infected person’s mucous, saliva and/or sputum (secretions from the lungs). EV-D68 likely spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs close to a non-infected person. The virus can also be spread by touching contaminated objects or surfaces.
How can a person tell if they have enterovirus D68?
The only way a person can tell for sure if they have EV-D68 is by seeing health care provider and getting a special test. Most people do not need a test unless they have been exposed to an infected person.
Can enterovirus D68 be prevented?
- There are ways to lower a person’s risk for getting infected with the EV-D68 virus (as well as many other illnesses that are spread from person to person).
- Avoid being around people who are sick. Don’t kiss, hug or share cups or silverware with anyone who is ill.
- Avoid shaking hands with others
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
- Wash your hands before touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
- Clean surfaces with a disinfectant when anyone in your family is sick.
If you have asthma, you should also:
- Review and update your asthma plan with your health care provider.
- Take your medicine to control your breathing
- Get a flu shot
- Get a COVID-19 shot
For more information, visit:
The Center for Disease Control at: http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html
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