What Is It?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious condition caused by a virus and is seen in young children. The virus that most commonly causes this condition is called coxsackievirus.
What Causes It?
Coming into contact with bodily fluids from an infected individual. These bodily fluids include nasal secretions, saliva, respiratory droplets, stool and blister fluids. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is prevalent in child-care settings due to diaper changes, potty training and the fact that children put things in their mouths.
When Is A Child Contagious?
A child with hand, foot and mouth disease can be contagious for weeks after the symptoms subside, but they are most contagious in the first week of experiencing symptoms.
Peak Time
The peak season for hand, foot and mouth disease is in the warmer months of the year. In warm climates, there is potential for outbreaks at any point in the year.
What Are The Symptoms?
The symptoms include a fever, sore throat, feeling of fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, painful red blisters in the mouth & red rashes on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and sometimes buttocks.
What Is The Treatment?
Adequate rest and time are the most important factors in treating hand, foot and mouth disease. It is important to isolate your child and remove them from a child care setting if they are experiencing symptoms, so as not to infect other children. If there is pain, a mild off the shelf pain relief medication can be used.
What Are The Risk Factors?
Children under 10 are the most at risk for hand, foot and mouth disease, and most occurrences are under 5 years old. The main risk factor is in child-care centers where there is exposure to other children. As a child grows older, they typically develop antibodies to the condition and will no longer be susceptible.
How To Prevent It
The most important preventive measures are good hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces, toys and objects, teaching cleanliness such as not to put hands in mouth and isolating contagious children.
If you believe your child is exhibiting signs/ symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.