Madison, Wisconsin – As fall nearly approaches, the number of young kids heading to urgent care near me experiencing severe respiratory illness is expected to increase.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the main culprit is specifically a brutal strain of enterovirus, though it’s common for such enterovirus to circulate during the fall and summer, the total number of D68 confirmed cases this year is higher compared to previous years.
The D68 respiratory illness is just 1 of the number of strains that are non-polio enteroviruses, and its symptoms range from being mild to severe. In most cases, infants, children, and even teens are likely at risk of infection and will need urgent care because of the lack of antibodies. The CDC also reports that it is very similar and can be mistaken for a common cold with mild and initial symptoms like body aches, cough, fever, and also a runny nose.
In severe cases, most children diagnosed with D68 experience wheezy and difficult breathing. Respiratory complications led to a significant increase in urgent care clinic visitations and hospitalizations. Asthmatic children are more at risk in showing severe symptoms if they do get infected with the D68 respiratory illness.
Though this virus may be frightening, it can be easily prevented similarly as seasonal viruses. This is so because it is also spread similarly like the common cold and flu, the D68 enterovirus is also transmitted through sputum, and also nasal mucus if an infected individual coughs or sneezes.
To prevent the need to visit urgent care clinics the CDC issued preventive steps for the public to follow. The CDC suggests washing hands regularly for 20 seconds at least with soap and avoid rubbing or touching the mouth and eyes with unwashed hands. The CDC reminds the public that if someone is currently sick, avoid kissing, hugging, touching, and even sharing glasses, cups, and even utensils with the sick individual.
The CDC also stated that to prevent further infection to others, it is important to just stay home or indoors when feeling ill. Using disinfectants on surfaces that are commonly used is also important. The CDC also stated that asthmatic children should be monitored closely at all times with prescribed medications taken as directed.
The D68 respiratory illness is only one of the many infections that may affect the public this season, while the CDC tips l are proven to prevent such infection, improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) also helps significantly in keeping the family healthy all year round.
