What Causes Enterovirus Infection?

Posted on Tue, 16 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 Answered on

Mon, 6 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have two questions. My first question is that my girlfriend just contacted me and told me that her and her five and a half year old daughter that suffers from asthma and allergies has Enterovirus D68 . I was with my girlfriend at her house 4 or 5 days and we had intercourse. although I have no symptoms yet. Could I have been a carrier and given this virus to her? I do work at an elementary school and around a lot of children. my second question is...I work with severe special needs children.in one of them is a very very delicate and has a lot of respiratory problemsand also has a trthat needs clearing out periodically. although I do not have any symptoms yet.could I be a carrier in give him the virus at school? Thankyou

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Carrier

Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question.
Any of us can be a carrier of any virus. That's why frequent hand washing, especially when handling children, is imperative. Whether in the workplace or at home, hand washing is the best way to prevent infection. If you've been careful with this, then it's unlikely youre carrying any virus.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar