Children catch enteroviruses from contaminated saliva, mucus and phlegm, or through touching an infected child or object. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, rash and a headache. Herpangina (caused by Coxsackie A virus) and EV71 cause a vesicular rash around the mouth, or “hand, foot and mouth disease.”
Some types of enteroviruses can lead to viral meningitis or encephalitis in infants and adults. They can also cause bronchiolitis, leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing.
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Fever is the most common symptom of enterovirus infection. Most infections don’t require a trip to the doctor and clear up on their own. But if your child has severe symptoms, such as not drinking enough fluids or a very high fever with a fast heart rate, they should be seen by a health care provider. Samples may be needed to test for an enterovirus infection, such as a lumbar puncture (if the brain and spinal cord are involved) or blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.
Infants, young children and adults without immunity are the most susceptible to enteringovirus infections. They can catch them by inhaling or swallowing the virus through saliva, phlegm and faeces (poo). They can also become infected by touching contaminated toys, children or surfaces and then putting their hands in their mouths. The viruses can cause a variety of illnesses, from mild to life-threatening. Enteroviruses, except polio, are very contagious. They spread through faecal-oral, respiratory and oral-to-oral transmission and can be present in faeces for up to a week after the illness begins.
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When an enterovirus infects the lungs, it causes symptoms like runny nose and cough. It can also lead to pneumonia or other respiratory diseases. In some cases, especially among infants and children with weakened immune systems, enteroviruses can cause serious illnesses that affect the heart or nervous system. For example, Coxsackie A virus and echovirus 9 can cause hand, foot and mouth disease (herpangina) or encephalitis.
The majority of people who get enterovirus infections recover without treatment and with time. Children and infants are most likely to become seriously ill from enteroviruses because they don’t have immunity (protection against the virus) from previous exposure.
Most types of enteroviruses spread by breathing in droplets or touching contaminated surfaces. They can also spread through feces. So, be sure to teach your kids about proper handwashing and encourage them to cover their sneezes and coughs with a tissue or their upper sleeves. Avoid sharing cups, utensils or other items that can spread the virus. Also, wash your hands often, especially before and after handling a small baby.
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Enteroviruses spread from person to person in the air by coughing and sneezing, or through close contact with an infected person. They may also be transmitted through contaminated hands or objects. Children, especially those under 5 years, are most likely to catch these infections. Some types of these viruses, including enterovirus D68 and parechovirus A3, cause serious illness in infants and young children.
These illnesses usually resemble those of the common cold, with fever, runny nose and cough. Infants and children, particularly those with asthma, may have more severe symptoms involving the lungs and chest.
In some cases, enteroviruses can cause an infection of the clear membrane that covers the eye (conjunctiva). This can lead to bleeding under the skin (hemorrhagic conjunctivitis) and swelling of the clear layer that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (encephalitis). Most people recover from these infections. Those with more serious complications, such as seizures or dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart condition), may need to be hospitalized. These conditions are rare. Some strains of enterovirus, such as enterovirus D68 and parechovirus, can lead to a polio-like disorder called acute flaccid myelitis, which causes sudden, extreme muscle weakness and paralysis.
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Chest pain, especially with coughing or sneezing, is a possible symptom of an enterovirus infection in some people. The chest pain may be caused by inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). In this condition, called costochondritis, the pain is usually made worse when you lie down or breathe deeply. Painkillers can relieve the pain.
Enteroviruses usually cause symptoms that resemble a common cold or flu. In some cases, however, the viruses cause serious illnesses, such as herpangina or EV-D68.
EV-D68 causes a viral illness in infants and children that looks like a cold or flu. This illness also can affect the lungs. Children with EV-D68 often have wheezing and trouble breathing.
Vaccines are available for some enteroviruses, but none are yet available for EV-D68. Teach your children to wash their hands and avoid touching contaminated surfaces. Also, make sure your kids cover their coughs and sneezes, and throw away used tissues right away. If you or your child have any severe or unusual symptoms, see your doctor right away.
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Fatigue is a common symptom of many illnesses, including Enteroviruses. It usually goes away once the illness has gone or you have enough rest. But persistent fatigue might be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Infants and children may have more serious symptoms if infected with Coxsackie A virus or EV71, such as herpangina (a painful vesicular rash in the mouth and throat), hand, foot and mouth disease or acute flaccid myelitis. These can cause severe weakness in the arms and legs.
Most people who have a viral infection will not have any serious symptoms and will recover within 1 to 2 weeks. Over-the-counter medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, cough syrups, decongestants and some asthma medicines can help manage mild symptoms. Taking iron supplements can help prevent and treat anemia. Treatment of underlying health problems such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and diabetes can also improve fatigue. Stimulants such as caffeine and sedatives should be avoided, as they tend to make fatigue worse.