LAN would like to take this opportunity to highlight risk factors and risk reductions procedures provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the Enterovirus D68.
Who is at risk?
In general, infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become ill. That's because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to these viruses. We believe this is also true for EV-D68. Adults can get infected with enteroviruses, but they are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms.
Children with asthma may have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection.
The CDC suggests frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds (see bullet list below image).
Español: Enterovirus D68
Who is at risk?
In general, infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become ill. That's because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to these viruses. We believe this is also true for EV-D68. Adults can get infected with enteroviruses, but they are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms.
Children with asthma may have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection.
The CDC suggests frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds (see bullet list below image).
Español: Enterovirus D68
What should people with asthma and children suffering from reactive airway disease do?
Children with asthma are at risk for severe symptoms from EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses. They should follow CDC’s guidance to maintain control of their illness during this time.
CDC recommends:
Loudoun County Public School (LCPS) Asthma Action Plan/Physician's Order: http://www.lcps.org/cms/lib4/VA01000195/Centricity/Domain/127/Asthma.Actionphysicians2013.pdf
Not in school? Here's an Asthma Care Plan from the American Lung Association: http://www.lung.org/associations/states/colorado/assets/pdfs/asthma-action-plan.pdf
Children with asthma are at risk for severe symptoms from EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses. They should follow CDC’s guidance to maintain control of their illness during this time.
CDC recommends:
- Discuss and update your asthma action plan with your primary care provider.
- Take your prescribed asthma medications as directed, especially long term control medication(s).
- Be sure to keep your reliever medication with you.
- Get a flu vaccine when available.
- If you develop new or worsening asthma symptoms, follow the steps of your asthma action plan. If your symptoms do not go away, call your doctor right away.
- Parents should make sure the child’s caregiver and/or teacher is aware of his/her condition, and that they know how to help if the child experiences any symptoms related to asthma.
Loudoun County Public School (LCPS) Asthma Action Plan/Physician's Order: http://www.lcps.org/cms/lib4/VA01000195/Centricity/Domain/127/Asthma.Actionphysicians2013.pdf
Not in school? Here's an Asthma Care Plan from the American Lung Association: http://www.lung.org/associations/states/colorado/assets/pdfs/asthma-action-plan.pdf
Keep Your Child from Getting and Spreading Enterovirus D68
For more information, see www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/EV68/ and http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html
- Avoid close contact with sick people
[Illustration of adult and child staying away from a sneezing, coughing child] - Wash your hands often with soap & water
[Illustration of washing one’s hands with soap under running water] - Cover Your coughs and sneezes
[Illustration of child covering nose and mouth with inside of bent arm] - Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
[Illustration shows child should not touch eye with fingers] - Clean and disinfect surfaces
[Illustration of hand spraying disinfectant on surface] - Stay home when you’re sick
[Illustration of child in bed inside home]
For more information, see www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/EV68/ and http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html
