What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
There are several viruses that cause HFMD, so if you catch it once it is possible to catch it again from a different virus.
Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "Symptoms usually begin with a fever, poor appetite, malaise (feeling vaguely unwell), and often a sore throat. A couple of days after the fever starts, painful sores can develop in the mouth. A skin rash with flat or raised red spots can also develop, usually on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and sometimes on the buttocks. This rash may blister, but it will not itch."
Some cases of HFMD present no symptoms at all.
Serious Side Effects
HFMD is not a serious illness for the most part. However, there are some potentially serious side effects and risks for the disease.
One serious illness that may develop in people with HFMD is viral meningitis. This may lead to hospitalization and is sometimes fatal.
Another complication that may develop is paralysis (similar to that caused by polio). A potentially fatal complication called encephalitis (brain inflammation) can also develop from HFMD.
These more serious side effects are rare, though children should be monitored for these signs which may indicate one of these conditions: fever, headache, stiff neck, immobility, or back pain.
Treatment
There is no treatment for HFMD. Also, there is no vaccine to help prevent it. Like all viral infections, hand washing is important in preventing the spread of the disease. The CDC recommends washing hands frequently, especially after changing diapers. Sanitizing play areas and common areas will also help reduce the spread among infected children. HFMD can also be spread by hugging and kissing an infected person.
The CDC recommends ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the discomfort and fever that accompany HFMD. They also recommend drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Sources:
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandFootMouthDisease/
Published by Laura Munion
I am a freelance writer in Ohio. I specialize in writing about health and fitness topics. My areas of expertise are dental health, autism, and fitness. I have a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering... View profile
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