The VIRUS amongst US

     Good morning, Family...   Just dropping by to emphasize that there is a VIRUS amongst US...  Yes, there is a virus spreading called the Enterovirus-D68 that seems to mainly affect our children who are under the age of 16 years old.  This virus is spread person-to person when someone who is infected sneezes, coughs, or touches contaminated surfaces.

     According to most reports, there are more than 100 types of enterviruses that usually infect us during the summer and fall months.  Most people infected have no symptoms or very mild symptoms that may include a fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.   But, most children that get very ill with this virus have had difficulty breathing and some wheezing.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), most of these children had asthma or a history of wheezing.

      How do you know if you have the virus?  Well, here in lies a problem.  You can only be diagnosed by having specific lab tests performed on specimens from your nose and throat.  There is no medical facility that is going to test everyone who comes in the door complaining of symptoms.  That would be an expensive and tedious process.  Treatment of the symptoms and prevention of spreading the virus is our only line of defense.  There is NO treatment for this virus.  You just have to treat the symptoms.  If there are respiratory issues, hospitalization may be necesssary.

     The best we can do with this particular viral outbreak is to pay attention to our children.   If what appears to be a common cold starts to seem more intense or your child starts having problems breathing, you need to get them some medical attention, immediately.  We also need to stick to some of the standards that our parents taught us:

• Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze, then wash your hands
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay HOME from work/school when sick and do not return until 24 hours after a fever is gone
• Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick
• Disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, like toys, doorknobs, especially if someone is sick

     If you have other questions concerning this viral outbreak contact your local health department as the CDC is working with state and local health departments and clinical and state laboratories to identify and investigate outbreaks and to perform diagnostic tests to improve detection of enteroviruses.
(special thanks to cdc.gov and cchs.org)
Smooches...  (okay, maybe no smooches right now)