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General Illness Information

Common Name:
HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Medical Term:

 COXSACKIE VIRUS A-16 INFECTION
Description: It is a viral illness presenting with ulcers in the mouth and water blisters or red spots on palms, soles of feet and in groin and buttock area.
Mainly occurs in children from 6 months to 4 years.
Causes: Coxsackie Virus A-16 Infection
Prevention:

Prevent exposure of infants and young children to anyone with a respiratory illness. Incubation period is 3 to 6 days.

Signs & Symptoms

* Sudden fever.

* Sore throat with blisters and ulcers in the mouth and throat lining.

* Headache.

* Rash with blisters on the hands, feet and groin.

* Appetite loss.

* Abdominal pain (sometimes).

Risk Factors

Summer and fall seasons.

Diagnosis & Treatment

* This disorder has a mild course and the child can be cared for at home.

* Boil eating utensils and other items that touch the mouth of saliva or use disposable utensils to avoid transmitting the disease.

* Boil bottle nipples separately for 20 minutes before sterilizing formula in bottles.


Medications:
To reduce high fever or for pain, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen. Antibiotics are not effective against this disease.
Activity:

Keep the child in bed until fever and other symptoms disappear. Normal activities may be resumed gradually.

* Avoid citrus, salty, spicy foods.

* Avoid foods that need much chewing.

* Offer soft diet - custard, gelatin, ice cream.

* Encourage plenty of clear fluids eg. cold drinks, popsicles, sherberts.

* Have the child rinse mouth with warm water after meals.

Possible Complications :

Dehydration from child refusing fluids.

Prognosis
* Spontaneous recovery.

* Fever and discomfort last for 3-4 days.

* Mouth ulcers resolve in 7 days.