A Visual Guide to Enterovirus D68

There are more than 100 types of enteroviruses, which cause 10 million to 15 million infections in the U.S. each year. These germs multiply in your intestines, and they cause many different illnesses. Enterovirus D68 mainly causes respiratory symptoms. Children tend to be more affected than adults.

Symptoms of enterovirus D68 can range from mild to severe. The most common ones include:

• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Body aches

In more severe cases, enterovirus D68 may cause wheezing and trouble breathing.

Enterovirus D68 seems to be very contagious. It is usually not serious, although there have been severe cases. Young children with asthma or other breathing problems can have complications. If a child (or adult) has trouble breathing, they may need to be hospitalized and may even need intensive care.

In very few cases, enterovirus D68 causes paralysis, similar to what would happen with polio, and even some deaths. Experts are still investigating to try to better understand any role the virus may have played in these cases. Enterovirus D68 is a "non-polio" enterovirus.

Enterovirus D68 isn't a new virus. Scientists first identified it about 50 years ago. Some people are worried because they believe that enterovirus D68 always causes severe symptoms. But it usually leads to nothing more than congestion, coughing, and a runny nose. Most people who get it don't even know that it's something other than a typical cold.

The symptoms of enterovirus D68 and the flu can be similar. The only way for a doctor to confirm enterovirus D68 is to order specific lab tests, which they probably won't do unless the symptoms are severe. There is no vaccine that protects against enterovirus D68, but simple things like washing your hands can help prevent infection.

You catch enterovirus D68 the same way you catch a run-of-the-mill cold: by coming into contact with someone who's infected, especially if that person coughs or sneezes on you, or if you touch an infected surface.

Most people who have enterovirus D68 will be sick for about a week. But the virus can stay in their body for several weeks. That means they can make other people sick even after they're better.

There aren't any medications that specifically treat enterovirus D68. If you or your child do become sick, your best bet is to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to relieve aches and treat fevers.

If the symptoms seem to be worse than the common cold, it's smart to call your doctor. Wheezing or trouble breathing are serious signs that need a doctor's attention right away. Some cases need to be treated at a hospital.

The best way to avoid catching enterovirus D68 is to use common sense. Stay away from anyone who's sick, and don't hug, kiss, or share food with them. Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water (scrub for 20 seconds) and not touch their face. Regularly disinfect surfaces that many people handle, such as toys and doorknobs. 

Kids with asthma are the most likely to have severe side effects. If your child has asthma and gets cold symptoms, watch to see if they wheeze, is short of breath, needs to use a rescue inhaler more often, or coughs more at night. If they’re not eating or drinking well, it may be another sign that they're having trouble breathing. Call the doctor right away if you notice any of these things.