6 ways to protect kids with asthma from EV-D68
Learn about the symptoms of this infection and what it means for kids with asthma.
Jan, 2026
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Slide 1
Getting some form of enterovirus is common for many children in the United States during the summer and fall. These viruses can cause a range of symptoms, like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and fever.
One particular enterovirus (Enterovirus D68, also called EV-D68) has proven much more severe, especially for kids with asthma. Outbreaks of EV-D68 have occurred in 2014, 2016, 2018, and most recently in July to September of 2022. The 2022 outbreak was associated with increased visits to the emergency room for kids with asthma.
Since this infection is known to make asthma worse, here are six steps, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to help keep your child with asthma well.
Written byMichael Gollust.
Medically reviewed byMegan Burke, MD.
Sources: Ma KC + 1
- Ma KC, Winn A, Moline HL, et al. Increase in Acute Respiratory Illnesses Among Children and Adolescents Associated with Rhinoviruses and Enteroviruses, Including Enterovirus D68 — United States, July–September 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1265–1270.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Enterovirus D68. Last Reviewed: September 9, 2022. =
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