Although the virus that's affecting more than 1,000 children in 10 states with severe cold and respiratory infection the past several weeks is still outside our area, health experts are starting to warn the public to begin watching for symptoms of the common cold.

The virus is called human enterovirus 68, and is believed to be related to the common cold. There will be similar symptoms, but it's wheezing that sets this virus apart--reports of it being severe. Children under the age of 5 and those with asthma are especially susceptible.

Dr. Mark Cline of Cline Family Medicine in Center and Nacogdoches has these suggestions for helping to prevent the virus.

He says to adhere to normal hygiene such as hand washing, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and it’s important for parents with children who begin to start showing signs of becoming ill, especially quicker than normal to be evaluated by their physician as quickly as they can.

The virus is being seen as close as Oklahoma, and in Colorado over 1,000 patients have been seen in the ER with the virus.