Samples of respiratory illness that sickened 12 Delaware kids sent to CDC

NEW CASTLE, Del. (WPVI) -- Twelve children in Delaware were hospitalized for a respiratory illness and it could be at least a week before it's known if it's the same virus that has sickened hundreds of children across the country.

Early Tuesday morning, Bonnie Jouhari says her 14-year-old granddaughter Alexa was flown by helicopter to Nemours A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children.

She says on Monday morning, her granddaughter was fine but by Monday night Alexa could barely breathe.

"It was scary, it was really scary. Her belly was sucking in because she was trying to breathe," said Jouhari.

She says Alexa has asthma but her medication didn't help.

Jouhari thinks Enterovirus 68 is to blame. It's the same respiratory virus believed to have sent hundreds of children to hospitals across the country.

"We were kind of on the lookout for it," said Dr. Karen Ravin, A.I. DuPont Hosptial.

Dr. Ravin says they have sent five samples to the CDC to be tested for Enterovirus 68.

She tells parents not to panic but be aware and if your child has a cold, look for symptoms out of the ordinary.

"Any difficulty breathing, you should seek care," said Dr. Ravin.

Dr. Karyl Rattay is director of Delaware's Department of Public Health. She is stressing prevention.

"Hand-washing is the most effective way to stop the spread of viruses. Also if you sneeze or cough use your elbow or a tissue that you throw away," said Dr. Rattay.

It's also recommended that you try to stay away from others who are sick. If your child is sick, keep them home.

As for Alexa, her grandmother says she is slowly getting better.

Results from the CDC are expected sometime late next week.

To prevent the spread of viruses that cause respiratory illness:

Wash hands with soap and water frequently for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, especially after you cough or sneeze.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow. Droplets from a sneeze can travel up to six feet.

Stay home from work or school when sick and do not return until 24 hours after a fever is gone.

Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

Contact your health care provider if you have any concerns.

Get your annual influenza vaccine to protect yourself from influenza, which is the most common virus causing severe respiratory illness. (At this time, there is no vaccine against EV-D68 infection and it is generally an uncommon virus except during outbreaks.)

Anyone who believes they may have contracted a respiratory illness is urged to immediately contact their doctor.

For more information on preventing the spread of illnesses, visit www.CDC.gov.