Enterovirus D68: Protecting the Children

Enterovirus D68 has been around for many years however this virus has been getting much more news coverage as well as invoking fear into many parents in the world in the recent weeks and months.  This virus shows many symptoms very similar to the common cold with the runny nose, achy body, and a cough which sometimes gets severe.  In some severe cases this virus can lead to wheezing and eventual death.  There have currently been seven reported child deaths from enterovirus D68 and the virus has been taken from these children for further testing. http://www.vice.com/read/what-actually-is-enterovirus-d68-and-why-are-people-freaking-out-about-it-116

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This virus does effect primarily children, which is a cause for alarm for the obvious reason that we always want to protect the children.  As of October 16, 2014 there were 780 people in 46 US states and the District of Columbia that were infected with the virus.  With this number of people infected compared to the vast number of uninfected people in America, it may not be a major issue as long as parents are watching their children for severe symptoms and getting proper treatment if the symptoms do persist.

Enterovirus D68 is a virus that comes and goes on a yearly basis.  The numbers and frequency of the virus have increased this year and this is likely the reason that there has been some panic among parents who are very protective of their children's health.  With good hygiene and regular hand washing in public, the virus can be controlled to a point that it really should not cause a widespread panic in the United States.  There are hundreds of viruses that are constantly circulating through the population and if panic ensued for every outbreak of a virus then children would not be aloud outside of their homes.  Parents should go on with their lives with the thought of accentuating the importance of good hand washing and overall good hygiene to help protect their children in the best way possible.http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/ev-d68.html

Related Articles:

-http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/10/03/6-things-all-parents-should-know-about-enterovirus-d68/
-http://www.cbsnews.com/news/protecting-your-kids-from-enterovirus-d68-respiratory-illness-sending-hundreds-to-hospitals/