Treatment algorithm

Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups: see disclaimer

ONGOING

with mild upper respiratory symptoms

1st line – treatment of symptoms

Back
ONGOING
|
with mild upper respiratory symptoms
1st line – 

treatment of symptoms

Most patients have only mild upper respiratory symptoms. The illness is typically self-limited, and no specific therapy is indicated. In the US, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends treating symptoms in people with mild non-polio enterovirus infections.​[48]

with asthma exacerbation or severe unexplained lower respiratory illness

1st line – supportive care

Back
ONGOING
|
with asthma exacerbation or severe unexplained lower respiratory illness
1st line – 

supportive care

Supportive care measures for patients with asthma exacerbation related to enterovirus D68 are usually the same as for asthma exacerbation, and may include continuing inhaled corticosteroids, use of short-acting beta agonists, and consideration of systemic corticosteroids. See Acute asthma exacerbation in children.​​

In more severe cases, supportive care may include monitoring of oxyhaemoglobin saturation, use of supplemental oxygen, and close observation of clinical indicators of respiratory distress. At this stage, sudden deterioration of respiratory status may occur. Invasive ventilator support may be required in children not responding to standard status asthmaticus therapies.

Currently there is no specific antiviral therapy available for the treatment of any enterovirus.[52]​​

with acute flaccid myelitis

1st line – neurologist and infectious disease specialist consultation

Back
ONGOING
|
with acute flaccid myelitis
1st line – 

neurologist and infectious disease specialist consultation

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a clinical emergency. Patients require immediate medical attention, and ideally, subspecialty consultation from a neurologist and an infectious disease consultant.[50]​ 

Patients should be monitored closely for the development of respiratory failure. Patients with AFM may deteriorate rapidly; over one-half are admitted to intensive care and 23% require mechanical ventilation.[51]

No targeted therapies or interventions have shown definitive efficacy in the treatment or management of acute flaccid myelitis. Evidence is predominantly from small case series and case reports; clinical trials are lacking.​​[50]

back arrow

Choose a patient group to see our recommendations

Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups. See disclaimer

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer