The difference between enterovirus D68 and enterovirus

Enterovirus D68 has caused concern for people in Colorado, but Parkview Medical Center wants to show the difference between this virus and regular enterovirus.

The hospital had its first case this season of enterovirus from a child in September, that child has since been released.

Parkview Medical Spokesperson Michelle Peulen said enterovirus D68 can cause difficulty moving or even paralysis, but that’s different from the case the hospital handled as enterovirus is similar to the flu.

“Enterovirus is something that isn’t new, it’s something that has around for decades. It’s a respiratory virus that especially affects kids with asthma or other respiratory issues,” she said.

Peulen said Parkview has never had a case of enterovirus D68.

She also said the best way to prevent enterovirus is by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and staying home when you feel sick.