How can I protect myself from becoming infected with EV-D68?
There is no vaccine to prevent EV-D68 infections. However, you can protect yourself from EV-D68 and other EV infections by making note of these tips:
- Avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs and computer keyboards, especially if someone is sick.
- Hand sanitizer is not effective against EV.
- Stay home when feeling sick and consult your health care provider. Since people with asthma are at higher risk for respiratory illnesses, they should take their medicine as directed by their health care provider
- Stay up to date with immunizations, especially influenza. This can protect against other common infections and lessen the risk of having a more severe illness if you are infected with EV-D68 at the same time as influenza.
- Use good respiratory hygiene; coughing and sneezing into a tissue or elbow and properly disposing of tissues. For more information about respiratory hygiene see the CDC website.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers. Enterovirus is found in poop (stool). Good hand hygiene is important for anyone who comes into contact with poop.