Keeping children healthy is a priority all year, but during the back to school season it’s especially important when cases of hand, foot and mouth disease occur more often.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral illness, commonly caused the Coxsackievirus A16 virus. Although adults are not immune to it, HFMD primarily affects infants and young children under the age of 5.
The virus is easily spread through:
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Symptoms
The name probably says it all. The tell-tale sign of hand, foot and mouth disease is skin rash on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands, and blister-like sores inside the mouth. Early symptoms can include a sore throat, fever and poor appetite.
Treatment and Prevention
There is not a vaccine to guard against getting hand, foot and mouth disease, or specific medicine to take to help it go away. If a child has HFMD, time is the best medicine. The most contagious period is during the first week. The child should be kept home while ill.
To decrease the risk of getting hand, foot and mouth disease, the CDC suggests:
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If you suspect your child may have come in contact with hand, foot and mouth disease, or is showing early symptoms, please see your doctor.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Baby’s Health center for more articles.
Source: CDC
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