Enterovirus infection – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

An enterovirus infection is caused by a virus that belongs to the genus of enteroviruses, a large group of viruses that infect and cause illness in tens of millions of individuals annually. Enteroviruses often spread during summer and fall.

An enterovirus infection will usually cause a cold or an upper respiratory tract infection that may be mistaken for the flu.

Known side effects of enterovirus infection

The common side effects of an enterovirus infection may resemble those for a cold or the flu, but in some cases, the disease can be more severe. Enterovirus infections often have no side effects, especially in adults.

However, some people may experience mild side effects similar to the common cold. Others may experience an illness more like the flu.

The side effects of enterovirus infection may include:

• Body and muscle aches
• Conjunctivitis (also called pink eye or Madras eye)
• A cough, sneezing, and a runny nose
• Fever
• Rash on the skin that isn’t itchy
• Sores on the mucous membranes (e.g., blisters inside the mouth)
• A sore throat
• Vomiting

Some individuals with an enterovirus infection may only require rest and normal at-home care to get better, but for some people, the illness can be serious and may require immediate medical attention. Severe illness in infants and individuals with weak immune systems must be monitored closely.

Children with asthma or other lung problems also require close monitoring since they might develop serious breathing problems if they get an enterovirus infection.

The more severe symptoms of the disease may include:

• Blue lips
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing

Body systems harmed by enterovirus infection

Some serious but uncommon complications of an enterovirus infection may include the central nervous system and the heart.

The virus can also infect the brain (causing encephalitis) or cause inflammation in the membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain (causing meningitis), which may be linked to various neurological symptoms.

Enterovirus virus can also cause inflammation in the sac around the heart (causing pericarditis), or even infect the heart muscle (causing myocarditis).

Symptoms may include:

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs

Food items or nutrients that may prevent enterovirus infection

These foods and nutrients can help prevent an enterovirus infection:

• Activated charcoal – A highly absorbent material, activated charcoal has been used to detox the body of toxins and viruses. It can also help a child with an enterovirus infection get rid of the virus immediately. Either buy a supplement or get a jar of powdered activated charcoal. Mix one or two teaspoons of the activated charcoal powder in a full glass of water. Let your child drink the mixture, and let them drink another full glass of water. Keep in mind that your child’s next couple of bowel movements will be black, which means that the charcoal is working its way through their system.
• Grapefruit seed extract – A powerful disinfectant, grapefruit seed extract has infection-fighting components. Put two drops of the extract in three ounces of juice. Let your child drink this mixture at least three to four times every day.
• Natural immune system boosters – These immune system boosters can help your child fight off enterovirus infections: citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, pineapples), kefir, lean meats (e.g., chicken and beef), probiotic yogurt, and walnuts.

Treatments, management plans for enterovirus infection

There are no specific treatments for enterovirus infection.

Patients with mild illness due to an enterovirus infection usually require supportive treatment for their symptoms. This includes staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter cold medications as needed. In most cases, this is often enough to help them recover completely.

However, some illnesses due to enterovirus infections may be severe enough to require hospitalization.

Where to learn more

• Be Prepared: How To Conquer A Viral Infection
• Did vaccines weaken immune systems of children now being hit by mysterious respiratory virus?
• Enterovirus D68 linked to illegal immigration is behind fatal polio-like illness killing American children
• IS THE EV-D68 VIRUS BEING DELIVERED THROUGH THE POLIO VACCINE? – NINE CHILDREN WITH EV-D68 DEVELOP “POLIO-LIKE” PARALYSIS
• Rhode Island child with mysterious respiratory virus dies as disease spreads across the country

Summary

An enterovirus infection is caused by a virus that belongs to the genus of enteroviruses, a large group of viruses that infect and cause illness in tens of millions of individuals annually. Enteroviruses often spread during summer and fall.

An enterovirus infection will usually cause a cold or an upper respiratory tract infection that may be mistaken for the flu.

The side effects of enterovirus infection may include body and muscle aches, conjunctivitis, fever, and rash on the skin that isn’t itchy.

Activated charcoal (supplements or powdered form), grapefruit seed extract, and natural immune system boosters (e.g., citrus fruits, kefir, and yogurt) can help prevent an enterovirus infection.

There are no specific treatments for enterovirus infection. Patients with mild illness due to an enterovirus infection usually require supportive treatment for their symptoms. This includes staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter cold medications as needed. For most cases, this is often enough to help them recover completely. However, some illnesses due to enterovirus infections may be severe enough to require hospitalization.

Sources include

EverydayHealth.com

DavidWolfe.com

CDC.gov