Update: Enterovirus 68 has been confirmed in North Carolina patients. As mentioned in an earlier post, enterovirus 68 has given SOME kids serious trouble breathing, and this is mostly in kids with a history of breathing problems, like wheezing or asthma. Though dangerous, enterovirus 68 has caused NO DEATHS nationwide (as opposed to influenza which kills 100 American kids per year). We encourage you to be more attentive to any coughing or wheezing and remember to start albuterol (ventolin, pro air, proventil, etc) and/or inhaled steroid (budesonide/pulmicort/flovent/qvar etc) ASAP per your asthma plan IF your child has been prescribed these medications. If your child develops worsening cough, trouble breathing, or wheezing despite your interventions call and schedule an appointment. Also, use hand soap instead of hand sanitizer when possible, because enteroviruses aren’t very susceptible to hand sanitizers.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:05:34 +0000