Symptoms of Enterovirus in Kids and Adults
Enteroviruses, a group of viruses from the Enterovirus genus, are responsible for a significant number of infections in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these viruses are estimated to cause around 10-15 million infections each year.
These viruses, which include coxsackieviruses and echoviruses, are the culprits behind all viral meningitis cases in adults and infants. Common symptoms in children include fever, sneezing, runny or congested nose, headache, sore throat, rash, body aches, irritability, and severe symptoms are more common in infants, children with weakened immune systems, and children with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
While most infections in adults result in mild symptoms like a fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, nausea, and general malaise, they can also cause more severe complications. For instance, enteroviruses can cause inflammation in the brain (encephalitis) or the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and seizures.
Some enteroviruses, such as EV-A71, are linked to more severe neurologic diseases, including meningitis, encephalitis, and Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a condition that affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is another notable example, capable of causing nationwide outbreaks of respiratory illness and AFM in rare cases.
It's important to note that widespread use of the polio vaccine has largely eradicated polioviruses in the United States. However, a vaccine to protect against non-polio enterovirus infections is not yet available.
Preventive measures against enterovirus infections include regular hand washing with warm water and soap, teaching children to avoid putting their hands or other objects in or near their mouths, and cleaning and disinfecting common areas of the home. If an infant under 3 months old has a common app fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or above, or if a child's fever is above 103°F (39.4°C) or persists for more than 2 days, it's best to seek medical attention.
If covid symptoms are present, it's advisable to stay home from school or work and avoid public areas and contact with others to prevent the transmission of the virus to others. More severe symptoms, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, might require a visit to the hospital, where a doctor might recommend treatments like bronchodilators, nebulizer treatments, oxygen, and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
While most enterovirus infections go away on their own without treatment after a few days, a doctor might recommend over-the-counter treatments to help ease symptoms. It's crucial to remember that while enterovirus infections are common, they can potentially lead to severe health complications, especially in vulnerable populations like infants, children with weakened immune systems, and those with respiratory conditions.
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