Greetings from Plain City Druggist, your friendly local pharmacy.

‘Tis the season for sniffles, coughs, and runny noses in Central Ohio–but you know this already from TV, allergies, and your children who brought back all those germs that they received from their classmates at school.

However, we’re seeing more severe cases than usual this September with more patients having respiratory complaints. More children have symptoms severe enough to warrant going to the hospital this year. A mysterious virus, known as EV-D68–a type of enterovirus–has spread across the Midwest at a rapid rate and there is no vaccine to lessen the effects of the virus or protect those that have yet to acquire it.

Most enteroviruses cause either a little bit of a cold or a diarrheal illness — a few cause meningitis. But EV-D68 causes prominent respiratory symptoms such as:

•      Runny nose
•      Mild sore throat
•      Congestion

…but Eric, this sounds like me when I get my seasonal allergies!

And you’d be right. Also, other common respiratory viruses can produce similar symptoms. You can rule out becoming sick from influenza this year by getting the flu shot–which we offer at the pharmacy. But because there is so little known about EV-D68, there is no universally available test for the virus. Therefore, you wouldn’t know if someone was infected with this particular virus or not.

Did you say that there was a treatment?  Oh wait, you said that there was no vaccine!

Yes. Not much is known about this virus, so there is no treatment either. However, some reporting agencies are recommending the use of Vitamin D, a natural immune system booster, to help strengthen the immune system prior to the virus reaching individuals.

…so Eric, why are bothering to tell us this then?

Most kids with EV-D68 will do just fine and feel better in a few days. However, there is the potential for severe disease and these people may need to be hospitalized and receive intensive supportive therapy. Other than those with a history of asthma, there is no way to predict which children will have an escalation in symptoms, so I encourage you to keep a close eye on your child.

• If your child is only experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold, symptoms that should last about one week, use supportive treatment:
• Remove mucus from the nasal passages.
• Ensure plenty of rest.
• Encourage fluids.

But if your child develops more severe symptoms —

• Children who develop wheezing, difficulty breathing, unusual rashes, persistent vomiting, or prolonged fever, should see a doctor.
• Children with severe respiratory symptoms (wheezing, difficulty breathing) need to be seen right away. If your child is experiencing severe distress, call 911. Otherwise, call your doctor or have your child seen in an urgent care center or emergency department with special skill in treating pediatric patients.

I’d rather just avoid getting infected with this virus in the first place, what should I do?

Although it is not known for certain, EV-D68 likely spreads through respiratory droplets and oral secretions. Enteroviruses are also known to infect the GI tract, so transmission through the stool is also possible. The virus appears to spread easily through close contact with an infected person, so you should try to stay away from sick people. To further reduce the risk of infection, individuals should:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid kissing and hugging.
  • Don’t share cups or utensils.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys and doorknobs.
  • Stay home when feeling sick….

Stay happy and healthy. I’ll see you in a couple weeks,

Sincerely,

Eric

References:

–        Asner SA, Petrich A, Hamid JS, Mertz D, Richardson SE, Smieja M. Clinical severity of rhinovirus/enterovirus compared to other respiratory viruses in children. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2014 Jul;8(4):436-42. doi: 10.1111/irv.12255.

–        Enterovirus D68: Non-polio enterovirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html. Page last updated: September 8, 2014.

–        Patrick, M. Enterovirus D68: Learn the Facts. Nationwide Children’s Hospital. http://700childrens.nationwidechildrens.org/enterovirus-d68/. Accessed online 9-10-2014.