Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Most parents have already heard about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (H&M), a very common virus among children. Let's uncover the key details so you can understand it as best as possible.

The virus that causes this disease is called Coxsackie , and since no one knows how to pronounce it, popular wisdom ended up calling it Hand-Foot-Mouth Virus. This virus mutates seasonally, so creating a vaccine is very complicated.

This virus appears mainly in children between one and three years old, although it can also appear in older children and even adults.

Although it's a disease that attracts many consultations due to its symptoms, I want to assure you that it's a benign and self-limiting condition, meaning it doesn't require treatment and doesn't cause complications . Although it's a mild process with no after-effects, it's always advisable to see a doctor.

Symptoms:

The time between a person's contact with the virus and the onset of symptoms is approximately 3 to 7 days. In some cases, symptoms may not appear at all.

The first symptom that children usually experience is a mild fever accompanied by general malaise . A rash gradually begins to appear around the mouth (either on the outside in the form of blisters or on the inside in the form of sores covering the gums, tongue, and palate). It's very common for children to complain of a sore throat caused by mouth sores.

At the same time, these same lesions begin to appear on the hands , feet, and diaper area. This is when we understand why popular wisdom calls it the hand-foot-and-mouth virus.

Lesions caused by the virus are usually not itchy, although they ulcerate and heal in approximately 10 days.

Contagion:

The problem with this virus is that it spreads very quickly and easily. The virus is transmitted through contact with an infected person via:

- Nasal and throat secretions

-Blister Liquid

-Stool

-Respiratory droplets spread through the air when coughing, talking or sneezing.

-Saliva

It's easy to imagine how quickly infection can spread in a daycare center; any toy or surface that comes into contact with a sick person is a source of infection.

It's important to keep in mind that once symptoms disappear, the virus can remain in the body for several weeks . This means the child can still infect others . The good news is that most children become immune, producing antibodies once they've come into contact with the virus.

Treatment:

I regret to inform you that there is no treatment for the disease. But you shouldn't be alarmed, because as I explained before, it is a self-limiting disease (the individual overcomes it by developing specific defenses).

The treatment is focused on alleviating the symptoms caused by the virus.

Fever: This can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Remember that aspirin should not be used by anyone under 18 years of age.

Sore mouth or throat: Paracetamol and ibuprofen will help relieve the pain. If necessary, you can use specific oral gels to treat sores.

Hydration and Nutrition: It is very important for the patient to stay hydrated. We must also ensure that the patient is eating well, as in many cases, mouth and throat pain prevents them from eating. We should offer warm or cold, non-acidic foods.

Prevention:

• Maintaining good hygiene is essential. Wash your hands frequently, especially after changing a diaper and before preparing and eating food.
• Disinfect common areas
• Teach good hygiene habits .
• Isolate people who may be contagious.