Huron County, ON – The Huron County Health Unit reminds everyone that frequent hand washing reduces the risk of catching a respiratory illness.
Several different respiratory viruses circulate every fall. Enterovirus D68 is a respiratory virus that includes symptoms similar to a cold. Children and teenagers appear to be at an increased risk of infection, but adults can also become ill. Severe infections can result in complications such as breathing difficulties and some children may be hospitalized.
At this time, there have not been any confirmed cases of Enterovirus D68 in Huron County. The Huron County Health Unit works with local hospitals and school boards to monitor potential outbreaks of illness.
Public Health Nurse Dori Taylor says cleaning your hands is your best defense against respiratory illnesses.
“Colds and other respiratory illnesses spread easily among children,” says Taylor. “It’s important for parents to remind children to clean their hands often at school as well.”
Other measures to take are:
- avoid touching your face
- cough into your elbow or sleeve
- disinfect frequently touched surfaces often
Stay home if you are ill. When children are ill, keep them home from school until they are able to fully participate in their usual activities. Children with asthma may have a higher risk of developing severe illness. If a child develops a high fever or has difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
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Our media contact is: Rita Marshall, Communications Co-ordinator, Huron County Health Unit, 519.482.3416 or toll-free 1.877.837.6143 ext. 2023 or rmarshall@huroncounty.ca
Our spokesperson is: Dori Taylor, Public Health Nurse. Our media contact will connect you to our spokesperson on this topic.