The latest flu is making its appearance in West Texas, and a respiratory virus known as Enterovirus is also sweeping through offices, schools and day cares.

It is a non-polio enterovirus, which according to the Center For Disease Control, are very common viruses.

The CDC also says that non-polio enteroviruses are very common viruses. They cause about 10 to 15 million infections in the United States each year. Tens of thousands of people are hospitalized each year for illnesses caused by enteroviruses.

Anyone can get infected with non-polio enteroviruses. But infants, children, and teenagers are more likely to get infected and become sick. That's because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to the viruses.

Most people who get infected with non-polio enteroviruses do not get sick. Or, they may have mild illness, like the common cold. But some people can get very sick and have infection of their heart or brain or even become paralyzed. Infants and people with weakened immune systems have a greater chance of having these complications.

Symptoms include but are not limited to cough, congestion, muscle and joint aches, runny nose, sneezing.

You can get exposed to the virus by having close contact, such as touching or shaking hands, with an infected person, touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them, changing diapers of an infected person, or drinking water that has the virus in it. If you then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands, you can get infected with the virus and become sick.

Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, avoiding close contact, such as touching and shaking hands, with people who are sick, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

The CDC suggests that there is no specific treatment for non-polio enterovirus infection. People with mild illness caused by non-polio enterovirus infections typically only need symptom treatment. They usually recover completely. However, some illnesses caused by non-polio enteroviruses can be severe enough to require hospitalization. If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should contact your health care provider.

Lubbock physician Dr. Ben Edwards, of Veritas Medical, suggests people affected may want to try an applicable antiviral such as Viracid and increase vitamin C to 1000 mg, 3 times per day.  He suggests that you may want to try a fat soluble vitamin C such as Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C, to help combat symptoms and speed healing.

via cdc.gov

 

 

 

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