Talk about a rotten way to start the school year! A nasty
respiratory virus is making kids sick across the region. Officially, it is
known as Enterovirus EV-D68. It’s not a new virus or strain. It’s been around
for many years but healthcare providers are seeing an unusual spike in cases
right now, particularly in children. Like any other virus, children who may
live with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, are experiencing the worst of it
and have had to be hospitalized.
The virus starts out with symptoms similar to that of a
common cold and then can cause wheezing and issues with breathing. There are no anti-viral medications that are
effective on enteroviral infections so treating the symptoms and providing
comfort measures while it takes its course is the only way to go.
Why now at the
beginning of the school year?
It’s not uncommon to see a spike in illnesses after summer
and winter breaks. All it takes is one infected student to come to school and
start spreading the virus around, just like a lot of other illnesses. We see it
around the holidays, too, when groups of people come together inside and
sneeze, and cough, and spread the love.
What can I do to stay
well?
Enteroviruses affect the gastrointestinal tract, so it
spreads through fecal matter on hands that have not been thoroughly cleaned. So…
1. Keep
your hands clean – Wash hands often with soap and water for as long as it takes
you to sing the alphabet or sing “Happy Birthday.” This is an excellent way to
teach kids about washing hands.
2. Keep
your hands to yourself and if your hands are not clean, avoid touching your
nose, mouth, eyes. Don’t eat without washing your hands thoroughly and be sure
to wash your hands after touching surfaces in a public place such as at school,
work, or the grocery store.
3. Keep
things clean – counters, door knobs, toys. High touch items in your home and in
places where you spend time.
4. Keep
food-related things clean – Be sure all surfaces for food prep are as clean as
you can keep them. This includes not sharing utensils, plates, or cups.
5. Keep
to yourself – try to avoid kissing and hugging those who are ill. Easier said
than done when you have sick little ones who crave cuddling.
What if I am sick or
if one of my children are sick?
1. STAY HOME. There’s just simply no other way around it.
2. Prevent spreading it around your family and friends by
following the list of good hygiene activities listed above.
3. Seek medical attention if you or your child has
difficulty breathing or begin wheezing. This is especially important if you
already have asthma or live with respiratory illnesses.
4. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy and balanced
diet, and call your doctor if you are concerned.
Keep this list handy because seasonal influenza is waiting
in the wings. Public seasonal flu vaccine clinics through Grinnell Regional
Public Health begin on September 22.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and
most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are
many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect
against the top four flu viruses that research indicates will cause the most
illness during the flu season.
Children aged six months through eight years who are
receiving the vaccine for the first time need two doses of vaccine. They should
receive the first dose as soon as possible to allow time to get the second dose
before the start of flu season. The two doses should be given at least four
weeks apart.
Officials say that most people who pick up this current enterovirus
will not be affected any more than they would if they caught a good old cold. Seasonal influenza packs a bigger punch for a
wider group of individuals and has the potential to make those infected pretty
ill. Typically, a full-blown case of seasonal influenza can take as long as two
weeks to recover from.
Bottom line – always practice good hygiene, get your flu
vaccine, stay home if you are ill.
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