Flu season is here, enterovirus may follow

Flu season is here, but flu shots won’t protect you against Enterovirus D68, which is spreading across the country. The virus causes flu-like symptoms. There’s no vaccine or specific treatment for Enterovirus D68.

Alaska, so far, is one of only four states that haven’t reported a case. Nevada, Hawaii and Arizona also have no reported cases of the virus.

The strain is less common in the U.S. and was rarely reported until recently. As of Thursday, the CDC has received reports of nearly 800 enterovirus D68 infections in 46 states and the District of Columbia.

Only 79 confirmed cases of the D68 virus were reported between 2009 and 2013. Teens, children and infants are at higher risk for symptomatic infections. The virus spreads just like a cold does–coughs, sneezes and touching infected surfaces.

“There’s been heightened surveillance for that nationwide,” says Louisa Castrodale, an epidemiologist with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. “It’s not something in and of itself reportable and so most of the time it would just manifest itself as a report of increased respiratory illness.”

Enteroviruses are fairly common; according to the CDC, there are more than 100 strains and 10 to 15 million enterovirus infections occur each year in the United States. The family of viruses typically causes mild cold-like symptoms, with some people not appearing sick at all. However, the D68 strain is linked to respiratory illnesses that can range from mild to severe.

Castrodale says various respiratory infections circulate during this time of year and anyone experiencing wheezing of difficulty breathing should contact their doctor. Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions should contact their doctor at the first signs of a respiratory infection.

“If you know you have asthma you should have a lower threshold for seeking care and you should probably be in more regular contact with your health care provider. Anytime you’re concerned or having issues with breathing or dehydration, things like that, it’s always worth a call to a provider to see if they recommend you coming in.”

Castrodale still encourages cutting your chances of getting sick by getting a flu vaccination.

Here is a comprehensive list of where and when you can get the flu shot in Juneau. Prices are also included for those who pay out-of-pocket. People older than 65 years or those with compromised immune systems may have a doctor recommendation for an increased dose of the vaccine; we’ve also included information on where those vaccines can be found.