Enterovirus fear

jobiann

I just read an article on a seemly very healthy 4-year old boy who died in his sleep from Enterovirus-D68. I'm so paranoid now. We took J to a pumpkin patch yesterday and they had a huge play area, one section was four play houses with a ton of play food. All I can think about is that everything there had to be covered in germs. Sure, before he had his snack I wiped his hands down with wet wipes (they only had cold water there). We stopped by my IL's and before I could wash his hands FIL had him eating apple slices. I almost screamed, but I held my composure took the apple from him (which he was mad about) and washed his hands in warm water with soap....

I'm still worried...is this normal? Can I put him in a bubble?!?

bennikki

We're in MN, and the midwest is where they saw this virus originally pop up, but I know my Dr. and clinic are being super vigilant about seeing anyone who is showing signs of a cold or symptoms of the virus.

DS and I both came down with colds a couple weeks ago.  I had a regular pregnancy check up about a day and a half after symptoms showed, and the Dr. insisted I bring in my son later that day, so they could check both of us.  It really was just a cold, and we were feeling better in about another day and a half, but it was nice to see my Dr. take it that seriously.  It also made me feel better that I wouldn't look like the hypochondriac/crazy mom if I brought him in for that in the future, especially with a newborn due at the end of the month.

jobiann

Well, I'm not going to hesitate if he starts showing symptoms to get him in and tested. He had a cold about a week and half ago. We treated his symptoms to make him comfortable but he got better quickly. I actually looked up the incubation period...3-6 days, so if he starts any symptoms of the virus during that time, I'm taking him in. This virus is no joke. 

And yes, I know this virus was around in the 1960's and there will always be virus' out there circulating. But I'm such a momma bear! And a worry-wart. 

spainy17

The virus is a cold for most kids but can escalate quickly and cause breathing difficulty. Kids with asthma or a history of breathing difficulty are most at risk for harsher symptoms. DD had a cold and cough right now but I'm not bringing her in unless it escalates. So far she seems to cough only to clear secretions, not due to breathing issues but it definitely makes me more worried!

spainy17

I would call and ask about the inhalor since overdoing it can cause other issues but it might not hurt to ask. In the hospital we usually do nebs every four hours while awake but I have seen them given more often in certain circumstances.

OhBaby+2013

It's been on my mind too. DS actually went by ambulance to the hospital last week as he was having trouble breathing at daycare so she called 911. They diagnosed him with Croup, but I was surprised they didn't swab him for enterovirus. Had he not gotten better within a day or two I would have taken him to his family doctor and demanded the swab.

ReeceFamily

Do we have any doctors on the board that can chime in on this to give some perspective on the risks?  From my POV the media is feeding fears by using headlines such as "First Death from EV-D68 Confirmed" - which suggests that more deaths are imminent, etc (which isn't necessarily the case).  It sounds like the biggest risk is to children with asthma.

spainy17

They are saying that for most kids its a cold so the numbers are probably way underestimated. The higher risk kids are the same as at risk for other respiratory illnesses. The media is blowing it up a little, probably since there isn't a vaccine. To put it in perspective, many many many more due every year from the flu and yet parents still aren't always vaccinating. It deserves attention but so far it isn't worse than the flu.

court115

I wasn't worried until I heard that story about the little boy in Jersey. It's so heartbreaking. I wish we could put our kids in bubbles!

emja0214

My mom works for an ear, nose, and throat doctor. I talked to her about it today after I heard the story of the little boy and started freaking out. She said that those who it is effecting the worse are those with asthma, breathing problems, or have a compromised immune system. Her doctors said that it starts with cold like symptoms and a fever. If your child is displaying these symptoms and then starts wheezing or coughing to the point they have trouble breathing that is when to being them to a doctor. Personally if DD starts showing signs of a cold I will be calling her pedi to double check what they say. My mom's doctor said the most important thing to do is pay attention to your child. You know when something is not right.

Las135

ReeceFamily said:

Do we have any doctors on the board that can chime in on this to give some perspective on the risks?  From my POV the media is feeding fears by using headlines such as "First Death from EV-D68 Confirmed" - which suggests that more deaths are imminent, etc (which isn't necessarily the case).  It sounds like the biggest risk is to children with asthma.

I am not a Doctor, but a Registered Nurse that works in a Pediatric ER that specializes in Peds Asthma. We typically do not swab kids routinely when they come in to ER with cough or congestion.  For one, it will not change the course of treatment (since it is a virus), for two the viral panels (nasal swabs) are ridiculously expensive, and it is almost always the common cold.  If we have a super sick kid (severe distress, low oxygen saturation, high fever that wont resolve, lethargy) , we start by sending a Flu & RSV swab, we will only send a viral panel if those two are negative.

I do think the media sensationalizes things a bit, but I agree, it is extremely scary that it shares the same symptoms as the common cold and is easily overlooked.  With all the little ones coughing, snotting, and sneezing on me, I feel like I have to come home and disinfect myself before even looking at my son after working.  I really do sympathize with the parents of asthmatics, because they can go from simple wheezing to severe distress, super fast. Even a common cold can put those kids into distress, so I understand their anxiety over this. But, as you can see, this virus effects even non-asthmatic children.

The main thing in Hand washing... wash, wash, wash those hands!!! Try to keep LO from putting their hands in their mouth while out in public ( a lot easier said than done!). I am sure all of your LO's will be fine, but I agree, that is a scary thing. When in doubt, take them to the Pedi, that is what they get paid for.

ReeceFamily

@Las135 - thanks for the info!!

jobiann

Thanks for all the responses ladies, I'm not alone but I also feel a little better. J got his flu shot already and we are hand washing like crazy. Always before he eats and always after he gets home from d/c.