Hand Foot and Mouth Disease – An Overview
Hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that is primarily seen in infants, young children, and sometimes adults. The most common symptom is a rash in the mouth and on the hands and feet. The virus causing this infection is called coxsackievirus and is highly contagious.
What Causes Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?
The virus that causes hand foot and mouth disease is usually spread through direct contact with someone who is infected or through contact with items they have touched, like a doorknob or toys. It is also spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be spread through the saliva, urine, and fecal matter of someone with the disease, which means it is important to practice good hygiene and hand-washing to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.
What Are the Symptoms of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?
The most common symptom of hand foot and mouth disease is a rash that appears in the mouth, on the hands and feet, and sometimes on other areas of the body. This rash is usually itchy, raised, and blister-like. Other symptoms may include fever, sore throat, headache, and general malaise. In some cases, the throat and mouth may look red and swollen and the tongue may have tiny red spots or sores.
Complications of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
Most people with hand foot and mouth disease will recover without complications, however, in some cases, more serious complications can occur. These can include dehydration due to loss of fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, infection of the mouth, throat, and lungs, and sometimes even meningitis.
Treatment and Prevention of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
The most important part of treating hand foot and mouth disease is to keep the person hydrated and to take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce fever and discomfort. It is important to check with a doctor if severe symptoms develop or if the infection does not seem to be getting better.
The best way to prevent the spread of hand foot and mouth disease is to practice good hygiene and good hand-washing practices. It is also important to clean any surfaces an infected person may have touched and to avoid contact with them until the infection has cleared. Vaccines are not currently available to prevent the virus.
In conclusion, hand foot and mouth disease is a common viral infection that affects infants, young children, and occasionally adults. Symptoms usually consist of a rash on the hands, feet, and mouth, as well as fever, sore throat, and malaise. Treatment is mostly supportive and includes hydration and over-the-counter medications. The best way to prevent the spread of the disease is to practice good hygiene and hand-washing.