Enteroviruses, Qualitative, PCR

Enterovirus is one of the most common kinds of virus that generally attacks young infants and teens. It shows mild symptoms and peaks during the fall and summer seasons. There are different kinds of viruses present within the family of enterovirus.

The primary reason enterovirus does not impact adults is that most adults have been exposed to this virus and have built strong immunity. It’s commonly referred to as the ‘summer flu.’ Usually, one of the enteroviruses known as the 'coxsackievirus' leads to a rash known as the hand-foot-mouth disease.

However, severe cases of enterovirus may cause complex health complications. For example, poliovirus may lead to severe ailment. Other enteroviruses may cause tissue inflammation in the spinal cord and brain, leading to breathlessness.

Enterovirus spreads like any other regular flu – when an infected person coughs or sneezes virus-infected droplets. Young kids may breathe in these droplets or come in contact with an infected surface, later touching their mouth, eyes and nose.

Other forms of enterovirus may happen through contact with infected stools or faeces. Thus, it becomes vital for kids to wash their hands properly after using the washroom. Even drinking contaminated water or eating infected food may cause the virus to spread.

If you believe you or your child is struggling with enterovirus, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Trouble in breathing
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting and nausea
• Red rashes over extensive body parts
• Red sores on the palms, soles and in the mouth (also known as the hand-foot-mouth-disease)

If these mild enterovirus symptoms persist over time, you should contact your healthcare provider. After examining the symptoms, considering past health history and performing a physical exam, your doctor may order an enterovirus test (PCR) to check for the virus.

You can book an enterovirus test from Apollo 24|7 and get it done from the comfort of your home.
Getting this test will help:

• Determine if your body is infected with enterovirus
• Detect if there is any trouble with the lungs, heart and brain
• Devise a proper treatment plan to cure the virus

Based on the enterovirus test results, your doctor will devise an effective treatment plan based on age, symptoms and overall health. The treatment will also factor-in the severity of the condition.

Generally, antibiotics do not help in cases of viral diseases like enterovirus. Since there is no known cure, your doctor is likely to suggest the following:

• A change in a diet consisting of soft, bland food to ensure no aggravation of sores in the mouth
• Complete bed rest
• Oral pain reliever gel to ease the mouth sores
• Pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to cure the fever and ease the pain