Originally published October 27 2014
Virulent outbreaks of enterovirus D68 are on the rise
by Kali Sinclair
(NaturalNews) As children returned to school this fall, a virulent outbreak of enterovirus D68 (EV D68) erupted. From mid August through October 27, 1,035 U.S. cases of enterovirus D68 have been confirmed in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly all of the cases have been children. It is believed that there have been thousands of untested cases.
Enterovirus D68 (EV D68) is not a new virus. It was identified in 1962 and small outbreaks have surfaced over the years--a few cases here and there. In 2014, enterovirus D68 has been the primary respiratory virus circulating, resulting in a high number of hospitalizations of children, many of them in intensive care. The CDC reports 8 deaths have occurred in patients who tested positive for EC D68. Seven of the cases were symptomatic; one child, who had not shown symptoms of illness, died in his sleep.
EV D68 usually causes a mild to moderate respiratory illness--with a runny nose and coughing. Other symptoms that may be experienced are fever, diarrhea, and a rash. This year, however, many children are experiencing severe infections with asthmatic reactions and difficulty breathing or catching their breath. Paralysis and muscle weakness has also been associated with the virus this season in a small number of cases.
Those most at risk for serious symptoms are children less than five years old, children with a history of asthma, and people of any age with compromised immune systems.
The CDC has tested three anti-viral drugs: pleconaril, pocapavir, and vapendavir against this virus. Although these drugs have shown "significant activity against a wide range of enteroviruses and rhinovirruses" they are not effective for the current strain of EV D68.
What you can do to help protect your family from viral diseases
There are three primary ways to aid children in boosting their immune system: diet, exercise, and adequate, restful sleep.
A healthy diet is key. A full 80% of your children's diet should be fresh, organic produce. Feed them more vegetables than fruit. Whether this is salads or cut up veggies, this rule is essential for health. Get rid of the sugar! If you are feeding your kids processed foods, there is sugar in everything. You'll even find it in soups and canned veggies. Kids don't need sodas and candy. Too many parents think they are depriving their children by withholding junk food. By giving your children junk food. you are depriving them of their health.
If your children eat a conventional American diet, including school lunches, their immune systems are shot and you can bet they are riddled with Candida. Their immune systems will not withstand an onslaught of pathogens, viral or bacterial, if they are constantly fighting fungus. Learn about a good diet, feed your kids a good diet, and detox their systems.
If your kids are couch potatoes, get them moving. Their immune systems will not work properly without exercise. The lymphatic system does not circulate without exercise.
Are your children getting enough good quality sleep? Our bodies, yours and theirs, need daily recuperation. These are the general guidelines for sleep requirements by age. - Infants: 9-12 hours at night plus 1-4 naps a day (from 1/2 hour to 4 hours).
- Toddlers (1-3): 12-14 hours within a 24 hour period (combined day and night sleep)
- Preschool (3-5): 11-13 hours
- Age 5-12: 10-11 hours
- Teens: 9 + hours
Given what it needs, the body contains a miraculous immune system that successfully battles pathogens day in and day out.
The season for enteroviruses is nearly over, just as flu season begins. When health is your priority for you and your family, everyone will reap the rewards. Also see Make Your Immune System Bullet Proof.
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov
http://sleepfoundation.org
http://www.naturalnews.com
About the author:
Allene Edwards first became interested in alternative medicine and holistic treatment modalities when she successfully used diet therapy to manage her children�s ADHD. Later when she became chronically ill with an auto-immune disease that multiple doctors could not identify, much less cure, she successfully treated both the symptoms and the cause through naturopathic treatment and nutrition. She is the Managing Editor of Organic Lifestyle Magzine and a regular contributor.
Allene Edwards first became interested in alternative medicine and holistic treatment modalities when she successfully used diet therapy to manage her children�s ADHD. Later when she became chronically ill with an auto-immune disease that multiple doctors could not identify, much less cure, she successfully treated both the symptoms and the cause through naturopathic treatment and nutrition. She is the Managing Editor of Organic Lifestyle Magzine and a regular contributor.
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