Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease isn't what people probably think of as being between those three body parts. It is actually a virus that is present in kids. This virus is easily caught and can be transmitted from person-to-person quite easily. When hands are not kept clean, this is the way the virus is promoted as kids play with each other and spread their germs. Contact with saliva, will spread the germs from other children that have had exposure as well as through stool contaminants, and kids coughing and sneezing with this illness.

First off, there are sores in the mouth, and rashes on both the hands and feet. So that explains where the illness gets its title.

Typical symptoms of this virus in kids are these:

1. Running a fever

2. The throat is sore

3. You'll notice blisters that are red in the mouth, hands, and also bottoms of the feet.

4. Agitation

5. Headaches

6. Tiredness

7. Does not feel like eating

Incubation period before break out is about 3 and up to 7 days. The first symptom noticed is usually a fever followed by the break outs.

This virus type affects kids that are usually under the age of ten. It is commonly found in day care centers, preschools, and elementary schools. This virus has been medically termed the coxsackievirus.

In diagnosing this condition, the pediatrician will take samples from a throat culture and possibly stool culture to see about the type of virus present. Sometimes, the doctor can determine right away what the child has just by physical examination and the presence of rashes.

Though this illness is usually minor in nature, the coxsackievirus can turn into a severe form that can become life-threatening. It can cause encephalitis which means that there is inflammation on the brain as well as viral meningitis which involves infection and inflammation to the brain.

In treating hand-foot-and-mouth disease, plenty of fluids are recommended for hydration, along with Tylenol for pain relievers. Resting a lot is also essential as the body fights the virus. The virus should disappear in no longer than 10 days.

In preventing this virus, the infected person needs to be kept away from other children. Teaching kids good hand washing habits is also essential in avoiding the spreading of germs in this illness. Kids should also learn not to place objects in their mouth especially when other children have been around and touched them.

Your daycare centers should also practice strict cleaning procedures to keep the myriad of germs at bay. This is the worst breeding ground for many illnesses and kids.