How Are Enterovirus Infections Prevented?
There is no vaccine to prevent enterovirus infections. As with most contagious infections, washing hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, shaking hands with other people, and touching surfaces, especially those in public places, may help prevent the spread of infection. It is a good idea to cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and to avoid contact with other people who are coughing and sneezing. It is recommended that toys shared by infants and toddlers, especially in day-care settings, be cleaned with a disinfectant daily, because enteroviruses and other viruses can survive on them for days. Doctors usually advise that an infected child be kept out of day care or school for a few days to avoid spreading the virus to others.
