As of Friday, 160 people have been confirmed in 22 states, of a virus that can cause severe respiratory problems, have been sickened, according to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention of disease.
Enterovirus D68 was confirmed in Georgia and authorities say they are halfway through the season enterovirus and people should take precautions to prevent its spread, precautions, which could also help to reduce your chances of getting the flu and other diseases.
"The most important thing we can do is to wash your hands regularly and keep your hands away from mouth and nose," Emergency Medical Services, Dr. Jonathan Thompson at Hamilton Medical Center said.
Thompson said enterovirus is actually quite common and is a common cause of respiratory infections, but for reasons that doctors do not the D68 strain yet, seems more lead to serious problems, with most victims, some in the hospital in intensive care .
"Do not lead enteroviruses usually to serious illness. Tends to produce what we call a self-limiting disease, where people tend to be better for themselves," he said.
The vast majority of the cases were children. Thompson says that's because most adults infected with the virus that give them a certain immunity.
Since most of the victims were children, Jennifer King, press officer with the health district of North Georgia, parents should talk to them about what they can do to reduce your risk of developing.
"You need to emphasize the importance of washing hands and not drinking from the same glass or eating utensils with the same as anyone else," he said.
King said it's also important to get a flu shot.
"It will not directly prevent the virus, but prevents them vulnerable," he said. "If you are weak from the flu, is rather different things."
And if a child does develop an infection of the upper respiratory tract?
"If a child is sick, it's better to stay from school to home and to avoid infecting others," Thompson said.
And Thompson also recommends that parents be vigilant.
"It is not uncommon for children to develop an infection of the upper respiratory tract of an enterovirus, and most will be fine," he said. "But parents need to be on guard, and if your child appears an infection of the upper respiratory tract, to be more severe than normal, should consult their physician or seek immediate medical help if needed."