Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

 

What is it?

• Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infection caused by the Coxsackie virus. It is most commonly obtained and seen in young children, however it can infect people of any age.

• Outbreaks most commonly occur in the summer and fall months.

 

Signs & Symptoms:

• fever

• headache

• sore throat 

• loss of appetite

• lack of energy

• vomiting and/or diarrhea

• small, painful ulcers in the mouth

• a skin rash that looks like red spots, often with small blisters on top, that appears on the hands (palms) and feet (soles), buttocks and sometimes other places on the body

 

How does the infection spread?

• Hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads through contact with the stool or saliva of the individual infected. The germs can spread from the person's hands and/or other objects that they have touched, which can be spread to others resulting in infection.

• Hand, foot, and mouth is the most contagious during the first week of illnes, however the virus can be found in a person's stool for up to four weeks after the beginning of the infection.

• The infection can last for 7-10 days. The best was to prevent the spead of infection is to properly and frequently hand-wash.

 

As a parent, what can you do?

• There is no treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease.

• Keep your child comfortable.

• Provide plent of food and liquids. If sores are present in the mouth, offer cold, bland liquids such as milk or water. Fruit juice is not ideal, as it will sting.

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce the discomfort caused by mouth sores. Somethings the pain can be so severe that your doctor will have to provide a prescription pain reliever.

• Make sure everyone in contact with the child or their belongings washes his/her hands with soap and warm water after changing a diaper, blowing their nose (or a child's nose), using the washroom, and before preparing or eating a meal.

• Do not pop the blisters; they will heal on their own.

• Wash toys and surfaces in the home regularly.

 

Call your doctor if the child:

• ​Is vomiting and showing signs of dehydration, such as:

  • Severe headache, especially when vomiting, is confused or has unusual sleepiness.

  • Severe sore throat

  • Breathing rapidly

  • Less or no urine (pee) (fewer than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours)

  • Dry skin, mouth and tongue

  • No tears when crying

 

Source: North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca