Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

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Context

• There has been a spike in cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Mumbai.

About

• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFM) is a viral infection common in young children that causes painful red blisters in the mouth and throat, and on the hands, feet, and diaper area.

Characteristics

• HFMD is characterized by blisters or sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. The infection can affect people of all ages, but it usually occurs in children under age 5.

Cause

• It’s caused by viruses from the non-polio Enterovirus genus, most commonly the

Transmission

• These viruses can spread from person to person through direct contact with unwashed hands or surfaces contaminated with faeces. It can also be transmitted through contact with a person’s saliva, stool, or respiratory secretions.

Symptoms

• Fever.
• Sore throat.
• Feeling sick.
• Painful, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks.
• A rash on the palms, soles and sometimes the buttocks. The rash is not itchy, but sometimes it has blisters. Depending on skin tone, the rash may appear red, white, gray, or only show as tiny bumps.
• Fussiness in infants and toddlers.
• Loss of appetite.

How is hand, foot, and mouth disease treated?

• In most cases, the infection will go away without treatment in 7 to 10 days. However, doctor may recommend certain treatments to help ease symptoms until the disease has run its course. These can include:

• Prescription or over-the-counter topical ointments to soothe blisters and rashes
• Pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve headaches
• Medicated syrups or lozenges to ease painful sore throats

• One shouldn’t give aspirin to children for viral infections. Aspirin can lead to Reye’s syndrome in children.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-tomato-flu-symptoms-treatment-prevention-explained-8120387/