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. 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 Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infection.
You can help prevent yourself from getting and spreading EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses by following the steps on the How to Protect Yourself From Enterovirus-D68. How to Protect Yourself From Enterovirus-D68
Since EV-D68 causes respiratory illness, the virus can be found in an infected person’s saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. EV-D68 likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches a surface that is then touched by others.
In the United States, people are more likely to get infected with Enteroviruses in the summer and fall.
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) can only be diagnosed by doing specific lab tests on specimens from a person’s nose and throat.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that clinicians only consider EV-D68 testing for patients with severe respiratory illness and when the cause is unclear. Clinicians should contact their local health department for guidance.
To find a list of Enterovirus D68 symptoms please view our Symptoms of Enterovirus D68 page. Symptoms of Enterovirus D68
There is no specific treatment for people with respiratory illness caused by Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). For mild respiratory illness, consult your physician if you are unclear of what over-the-counter medications for pain and fever.
Some people with severe respiratory illness may need to be hospitalized.