Hand foot and mouth disease
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease is an illness that primarily affects children under 10 years old and is even more common in those under 5. The virus that causes this disease belongs to the Enterovirus family, which also includes polio, Coxsackie A8, and echovirus. This particular virus is a common cause of upper respiratory tract infections in young kids. It’s important for parents to know how to identify hand foot and mouth disease if their child shows any symptoms and understand when the proper time to seek treatment. In this article, we will help parents identify, treat and prevent hand foot, and mouth disease.
What causes hand, foot, and mouth disease?
The virus that causes hand foot and mouth disease is an enterovirus, which is a type of virus that can cause respiratory illness. This particular virus is highly contagious and is easily spread through coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread through contact with saliva or mucus from someone who is infected. The virus can live on surfaces for a long time, so it’s important to clean any surfaces that may have been contaminated with the virus.
Can adults get hand, foot, and mouth disease from a child?
Adults can get hand foot and mouth disease, but it’s much more common in children. This virus is spread through contact with saliva or mucus from someone who is infected, so adults are most likely to contract the virus if they come into contact with an infected child.
Symptoms and ways to properly identify hand foot and mouth disease?
The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can vary depending on the person. In many cases, people will just have a mild respiratory illness including the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Red spots on the hands, feet, and mouth. The blisters can also appear inside of the mouth or even in the diaper area.
- Runny Nose
- Cough
- In some cases, people may also experience diarrhea and vomiting.
Some people may also develop sores in their mouth or on their hands and feet. These sores can be painful and make it difficult to eat or drink. These sores also make it easier to spread the virus, so people who get them are more likely to pass them on to other people they come into contact with.
Which children are at risk for hand foot and mouth disease?
Kids under ten years old who haven’t had the vaccine yet are most at risk for contracting this illness. This is because the vaccine for this virus isn’t given until a child turns two. If someone gets infected, they should stay home from school or work to prevent them from passing it on to other people who might be at risk of contracting hand foot, and mouth disease.
How is hand, foot, and mouth disease diagnosed?
If your child starts to show signs of hand foot and mouth disease, it’s important that you take them in for an appointment with their pediatrician. The doctor will be able to diagnose the illness by looking at the blisters on their hands or feet, as well as inside their mouths. Take your child to the ER if they develop a rash on their body, start having trouble breathing, or develop seizures.
Best treatment options for hand, foot, and mouth disease?
In most cases, doctors will prescribe pain relievers to make it easier for your child to deal with the discomfort of their blisters. In many cases, people who have hand foot and mouth disease recover within a week without any other treatment. However, if someone gets an extra high fever or they’re dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhea then they might need to be hospitalized.
Preventing hand foot and mouth disease?
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent your child from getting hand foot and mouth disease. Make sure that they wash their hands regularly, especially before they eat or put anything in their mouths. You should also make sure that they avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with their hands. If someone in your family contracts hand foot and mouth disease, be sure to keep them isolated from other members of the family until they have fully recovered.
When should I visit an urgent care?
If your child shows any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment at University Urgent Care in Fort Worth, TX:
- Fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Stiff neck or a headache that’s so bad it interferes with daily life.
- Seizures
- Vomiting for more than 12 hours without relief
If your child has any of the following symptoms, you should also visit our urgent care facility:
- Difficulty breathing after a cold or pneumonia
- Not able to pee for 12 hours straight
- A fever and rash that doesn’t go away. This is especially true if they have blisters inside their mouth. If this happens, it’s important that you take your child to the ER right away.
At University Urgent Care in Fort Worth, we realize that getting into your pediatrician when you need help may be difficult. That’s why we offer same-day appointments and walk in’s for those parents looking for answers NOW! Our facility is ready to provide relief for you and your family.