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Respiratory virus a reminder to take precautions

As every year, with the start of school, the respiratory viral season is upon us. This year, as you may have heard, there is a somewhat unique virus that is contributing to cold symptoms.

The virus is known as enterovirus D68. This virus was first identified in the early 1960s and has rarely been confirmed as a cause of illness. Recently, it has been identified as the causative agent for clusters of viral respiratory disease in a number of states in the Midwest and western U.S., now including Colorado.

Not much is known about the virus, but it is believed to cause a spectrum of disease, ranging from mild to severe respiratory illness. The recent clusters of more serious cases of the illness have been mostly reported among children. Testing for specific viruses is not common for mild illness. Thus, most of the confirmed cases of EV D68 have been among children hospitalized for difficulty breathing.

It is likely that the vast majority of illnesses caused by EV D68 are mild and self-limited, producing cold symptoms. It is also possible, like with other respiratory diseases, that many infected people may have no symptoms at all. What seems to be unique about the virus, at least this year, is that it has the capacity to cause more severe illness in a subset of affected children.

As with all viral illnesses, those at greatest risk of complications are those with other chronic health conditions such as asthma or whose immune systems have been weakened.

While a number of children have required hospital care for complications of EV D68 this year in several states, as of the writing of this article, there are no reported fatalities. While there is no vaccine nor specific treatment for the virus, supportive medical care can help those suffering from the illness.

The EV D68 virus is found in respiratory secretions such as tears, saliva or nasal mucus, which is typical of cold viruses and flu. All such infections are easily transmitted from person-to-person through contact with these secretions, with the virus being introduced to the eyes, nose or mouth. Common sources of exposure include an uncovered cough or sneeze or hand contact with contaminated secretions.

EV D68 is likely to be just one of many viral respiratory illnesses circulating this season. It is important to consider the strategies for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses in general.

First and foremost, everyone should get a flu vaccine this year as it becomes available. Flu consistently accounts for an average of 30,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

Beyond that, simple, good hygiene practices can reduce the spread of viral diseases. This includes covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow, avoiding hand contact with the face, frequent hand-washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and avoiding direct contact with potentially infected objects such as sharing cups or utensils.

Dr. Matthew A. Clark is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics practicing at the Ute Mountain Ute Health Center in Towaoc.



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