The CDC recently issued a health advisory to inform clinicians and public health departments that parechovirus is currently circulating in the United States. While parechovirus is very common in young children, the severity of the virus ranges from no revealing symptoms to severe illness, especially in the youngest babies. While parechovirus can present like a common cold in older children, it’s vital for parents of newborns and young infants to avoid contact with sick children and to be careful with sick toddler siblings at home. It is important for parents to know how this virus spreads, symptoms to watch for and how it can be treated. What is Parechovirus? Parechovirus is part of a group of viruses called Picornaviridae. Parechovirus, also known as human parechovirus, is a common viral infection that has many types and subtypes, with the most common being PeV-A3. This virus can cause different diseases from a mild cold or diarrhea to sepsis and meningitis, and usually in younger children. Most commonly, parechovirus is contracted during the summer and fall months, spreading easily through close contact. As this infection is very contagious, it is important to wash hands often and use disinfectant on frequently touched surfaces in your home. Can my Child Contract Parechovirus? It is very common for children to contract parechovirus; most cases are mild. This infection is most commonly contracted between infancy and kindergarten. Young children may contract parechovirus from close contact with others, airborne respiratory particles after a cough or a sneeze, saliva discharge, or when contaminated fecal matter enters their body. Remind your child to cover their mouths when they cough and sneeze, wash their hands frequently, and avoid putting shared toys or objects in their mouths. Do not let your child share a drinking cup or eating utensils with other children, as their germs may contaminate the surface and help to spread this (or another) virus. Parechovirus can stay in your child’s respiratory tract for up to three weeks after infections and for up to six months in their poop. Good hygiene is crucial in decreasing the spread of this virus! What Symptoms Should I Look For? While parechovirus varies in severity and symptoms, things to watch for include:

Fever or hypothermia Rash Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Seizures Extreme tiredness Extreme irritability Fast breathing or pauses in breathing (apnea) Rapid heart rate

Note that some infections won’t provide any visible symptoms, or a child may be asymptomatic. You know your child better than anybody—so if you expect that something is off, contact you pediatrician as soon as possible. How is Parechovirus Treated? Because most children don’t get very sick when they are infected with parechovirus, there is no specific treatment for this virus. It is important to talk with your doctor and receive early diagnosis to prevent the virus from spreading throughout your child’s body and causing more serious harm. If your child is sick, your pediatrician may prescribe a medication to help fight the infection and encourage the consumption of liquids. If you have questions or concerns about parechovirus, speak with your child’s pediatrician.

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The CDC recently issued a health advisory to inform clinicians and public health departments that parechovirus is currently circulating in the United States. While parechovirus is very common in young children, the severity of the virus ranges from no revealing symptoms to severe illness, especially in the youngest babies.

While parechovirus can present like a common cold in older children, it’s vital for parents of newborns and young infants to avoid contact with sick children and to be careful with sick toddler siblings at home. It is important for parents to know how this virus spreads, symptoms to watch for and how it can be treated.

What is Parechovirus?

Parechovirus is part of a group of viruses called Picornaviridae. Parechovirus, also known as human parechovirus, is a common viral infection that has many types and subtypes, with the most common being PeV-A3. This virus can cause different diseases from a mild cold or diarrhea to sepsis and meningitis, and usually in younger children.

Most commonly, parechovirus is contracted during the summer and fall months, spreading easily through close contact. As this infection is very contagious, it is important to wash hands often and use disinfectant on frequently touched surfaces in your home.

Can my Child Contract Parechovirus?

It is very common for children to contract parechovirus; most cases are mild. This infection is most commonly contracted between infancy and kindergarten. Young children may contract parechovirus from close contact with others, airborne respiratory particles after a cough or a sneeze, saliva discharge, or when contaminated fecal matter enters their body.

Remind your child to cover their mouths when they cough and sneeze, wash their hands frequently, and avoid putting shared toys or objects in their mouths. Do not let your child share a drinking cup or eating utensils with other children, as their germs may contaminate the surface and help to spread this (or another) virus. Parechovirus can stay in your child’s respiratory tract for up to three weeks after infections and for up to six months in their poop. Good hygiene is crucial in decreasing the spread of this virus!

What Symptoms Should I Look For?

While parechovirus varies in severity and symptoms, things to watch for include:

  • Fever or hypothermia
  • Rash
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Extreme irritability
  • Fast breathing or pauses in breathing (apnea)
  • Rapid heart rate

Note that some infections won’t provide any visible symptoms, or a child may be asymptomatic. You know your child better than anybody—so if you expect that something is off, contact you pediatrician as soon as possible.

How is Parechovirus Treated?

Because most children don’t get very sick when they are infected with parechovirus, there is no specific treatment for this virus. It is important to talk with your doctor and receive early diagnosis to prevent the virus from spreading throughout your child’s body and causing more serious harm. If your child is sick, your pediatrician may prescribe a medication to help fight the infection and encourage the consumption of liquids.

If you have questions or concerns about parechovirus, speak with your child’s pediatrician.

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