Hand foot mouth disease Image Credit Source: Getty Images
Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infection, which mainly affects young children. This infection is caused by anterovirus called Coxi virus. It is usually seen more in children under 5 years of age, although older children and sometimes adults can also be infected with it. This disease is infectious and can easily spread from one child to another. HFMD is mostly mild disease, which is cured in 7-10 days. But sometimes it can also be serious, especially in children whose immunity is weak. Therefore, it is important for parents to identify the symptoms of children on time and get treatment.
HFMD is mainly spread due to the virus. This disease can spread when an infected child coughs, sneezing or another child with spit and nose mucus. In addition, the virus also reaches children by touching infected surface, toys or utensils. School, day-care or place where children live in group, HFMD can spread rapidly. In this disease, children have trouble eating and drinking. Due to mouth blisters and throat pain, children are unable to eat food, which causes weakness and lack of water in the body. In severe cases this disease can cause viral meningitis, encephalitis or even inflammation of the heart. However, it is rare and in most cases the disease itself cures.
What are the symptoms of HFMD?
Former Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bagdi of Pediatric Department in Delhi AIIMS It is said that HFMD symptoms appear 3-6 days after infection. First of all, children have mild fever, with headache, sore throat and lower appetite. Children become irritable and cry again and again. When the disease increases, small painful blisters or ulcers are formed inside the mouth, due to which children also suffer from swallowing and speaking.
A few days later, rash and rash come out on the palms of children, soles of feet, knees or elbows. These grains can sometimes take the form of blisters. Due to these chills, children have problems of itching and burning. Also, there are complaints of fatigue and body pain. In serious cases, children may have problems like continuous high fever, vomiting, frequent urination or lack of water. As soon as such signs are received, the doctor should be contacted immediately, because carelessness can make the situation dangerous.
How to rescue
Get into the habit of washing children again and again.
Do not send school or day-care to infected children.
Keep children’s toys, utensils and things clean.
Drink enough water and fluid to the child.
In case of symptoms of infection, consult a doctor immediately.