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What Pre-Existing Condition Makes Enterovirus D68 More Dangerous?

What Pre-Existing Condition Makes Enterovirus D68 More Dangerous? (0:32)

Enterovirus D68 is more dangerous for children who have an underlying respiratory condition, like asthma. In this video, pediatrician Alan Greene, MD, discusses how children's less-developed immune systems and smaller airways also increase risk.

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So, Enterovirus D68 is more dangerous for children than adults in part because their immune system is still developing, and in part because their airways are so small. If you or I were to have a swelling in the lining of our airways it wouldn't be a big deal, but a kid's airway is small enough that the same amount of swelling could be serious.

If the child has an underlying lung condition of any kind, such as asthma, it's even a higher risk.