AFC Doctors Express - Englewood Urges Parents to Be Aware of Symptoms of New Virus

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Sept. 23, 2014 - PRLog -- Doctors at AFC Doctors Express - Englewood have created a Symptom Tracker in preparation of the rapidly approaching cold, flu, and allergy season to help parents determine whether their children have the EV-D68 respiratory virus.

"Our local doctors are warning people to be on the lookout for symptoms that usually occur in colds or allergies, but just seem a little bit worse. Wheezing is also a key symptom that shouldn't be overlooked in the face of this virus," notes Bruce Irwin, founder of American Family Care.

As such, doctors at AFC Doctors Express - Englewood are urging parents and teachers to monitor children for the cold and flu-like symptoms associated with this highly contagious virus. Early symptoms of EV-D68, such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing, may be hard to distinguish from those of severe colds, allergies, and asthma. However, symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing are signs a child may be infected.

EV-D68 is particularly dangerous for asthmatic children, and they have a higher risk of contracting the virus. Doctors stress the importance of creating an asthma attack plan with children, including knowing the location of inhalers, when and how to seek help, and emergency contact information.

The enterovirus outbreak has seen a large number of school-aged children falling ill across 12 states, six of which, including Colorado, have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as EV-D68. The agency anticipates more states will likely have confirmed cases of the respiratory illness in the coming weeks as additional specimens are tested. “This virus is a scary reality for parents across the nation right now,” says Irwin.

In addition to raising awareness regarding the symptoms of EV-D68, doctors at AFC Doctors Express - Englewood are also urging parents to encourage their children to practice good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and covering the coughs and sneezes. Also, communal surfaces such as counter tops and tables should be thoroughly wiped down with antibacterial wipes, or warm, soapy water. Contact with those who are infected with the virus should be avoided or limited.

Doctors Express - Englewood in an urgent care clinic that offers a wide variety of health and medical care. The clinic can help treat ear infections, flu symptoms, broken bones and more. Along with a convenient location, Doctors Express - Englewood also offers after hour care. To learn more, visit www.doctorsexpressenglewood.com.

Alison J. Hare, Practice Manager, AFC Doctors Express - Englewood, www.doctorsexpressenglewood.com, 901 W. Hampden Ave. #103 Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 761-1699