With the return to school now in full swing, the BC center for disease control is reminding parents about a new respiratory illness that has shown up in the province, including one case in the north.
Doctor Danuta Skowronski with the center says the virus can be easily confused with the common cold but is sometimes more serious:
“Whats different about retrovirus D68 is that it tends to like the lower respiratory tract, and so in people who may have (especially children) who may have a history of asthma or wheezing, this virus can cause worsening of those symptoms”
Skowronski says the late start to the school year may very well have slowed the viruses’ spread, however now that children are back in close contact with another in the classrooms they should stick to the age old adage of washing hands often and staying home when sick.
She also added that the center will be watching closely for new cases of the strain and telling Parents to seek medical attention immediately for children with worsening asthma symptoms.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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