What is Enterovirus D68
Enterovirus D68 is a common virus that causes a fever, cough, and nasal congestion (upper respiratory infection).
What are the causes?
Enterovirus D68 spreads from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The virus is present in the fluid of an infected person’s lungs (upper respiratory secretions). When a sick person coughs or sneezes, particles get released into the air. You can get infected by breathing in those particles. The virus may also be on any surface where these particles land. You can get infected by touching that surface and then touching your nose or mouth.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in:
- People who have a chronic disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, congestive heart failure, cystic fibrosis, or diabetes.
- People who have a weakened immune system (are immunocompromised).
What are the signs or symptoms?
For most adults, symptoms of this condition are mild. Symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Nasal congestion.
- Sneezing.
- Muscle aches.
- Cough.
- Wheezing.
- Trouble breathing.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical exam. You may also have a chest X-ray.
How is this treated?
There is no treatment or vaccine for this infection. Most people recover after resting at home for several days.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Rest at home until symptoms go away. Do notgo to work while you have symptoms.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You have nausea or vomiting.
- Your symptoms last longer than 3 days.
Get help right away if:
- You develop wheezing.
- You have trouble breathing.
- You cannot keep fluids down.
