Many low cost urgent care centers around the country are seeing a spike in those with Enterovirus 68. At Prime Urgent Care, we want our patients to understand what this illness is and symptoms to look out for. Here are four things you need to know about Enterovirus 68.
What is Enterovirus 68?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Enterovirus 68 is one of over a hundred non-Polio enteroviruses. It was first identified by California doctors in 1962. While most years only see a few cases of this illness nationwide, a large outbreak has spread across the country in 2014 that has affected hundreds of patients in multiple states.
What are Common Symptoms of Enterovirus 68?
Enterovirus 68 is generally marked by symptoms that include a mild fever, coughing, a runny nose, and sneezing. Body and muscle aches are also common. In extreme cases, patients may experience wheezing and extreme difficulty breathing.
In most cases, the illness is minimal and goes away within a few days. However, some patients have experienced extremely severe symptoms in a short period of time making seeing a doctor important. Rarely, Enterovirus 68 has proven fatal in a very small number of patients.
Who is at Risk for Enterovirus 68?
According to medical professionals, children under the age of five and those with asthma seem to be at the highest risk for contracting Enterovirus 68. It can also affect adults, teens, and the elderly who have pre-existing respiratory conditions. Those who are in a school, daycare, or public setting on a regular basis have a higher chance of contracting the illness than others. The best way to fend off this virus is to wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with those who are ill.
When to Contact a Low Cost Urgent Care Clinic
One of the reasons why Enterovirus 68 is so worrisome is that many of the symptoms are mistaken for the common cold. This often leads to delayed treatment and can cause greater health concerns if not addressed properly.
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms associated with Enterovirus 68, it is important to contact a low cost urgent care clinic–such as your local Pearland urgent care center–immediately. From there, laboratory tests can be conducted to determine if the illness is indeed Enterovirus or just a common respiratory illness.
For further information about Enterovirus 68 or any other medical condition, please contact our low cost urgent care clinic today.
