Why is Enterovirus so Contagious?

Both Ohio and Kentucky have reported increases in cases of Enterovirus D-68 since 2014. It is a respiratory virus, which starts out like the common cold, and is spreading rapidly in children.

Why is Enterovirus Spreading Quickly?

“It’s probably because there haven’t been a lot of outbreaks, there’s probably not a lot of immunity, so with not a lot of immunity, it’s very easy for it to spread and that’s certainly what they are experiencing,” Scott Woods MD, of Bethesda Family Practice Center, tells Local 12’s Liz Bonis.

Dr. Woods says his first case was a teenager, and while the teen didn’t need to be hospitalized, Dr. Woods says he was so sick that it was like seeing the virus that causes the flu.

• Related: Why are Flu Vaccines Important?

Signs of Enterovirus and Ways to Prevent it

Enterovirus isn’t a new virus (it’s been around since the 60s), Dr. Woods says. If you are infected, you’ll likely heal on your own; however, the virus typically presents with the following symptoms:

• Severe breathing problems
• A bad cough
• A high fever

While medications can alleviate some of the symptoms, Dr. Woods says prevention, which means staying away from those are sick and frequent hand-washing, is the best way to steer clear of the virus.

• Related: What the Color of Your Snot Says About Your Health

Additionally, “Most importantly, keep your hands off your own respiratory tract. Keep your hands off your face, your nose, mouth and eyes,” Dr. Woods stresses.