Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease or HFMD is a mild, yet highly contagious viral infection that is very common among kids. It is caused by viruses such as coxsackievirus, that spread through direct contact of unwashed hands and or feces contaminated surfaces. Although it can affect people of all ages, children below the age of 5 are more prone to getting HFMD. it is a mild condition that usually goes away by itself within a week to 10 days.
Book an appointment to consult Dr Meghna Manocha for pediatric concerns.
Symptoms for HFMD:
A few of the common signs and symptoms for Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease may develop 5-7 days post the initial infection (known as the ‘incubation period’), they are stated as follows:
The first few main symptoms are fever and sore throat, soon followed by rashes and blisters, usually a day or two later.
Causes for HFMD:
The most common cause of HFMD is infection with the coxsackievirus A16. Oral ingestion is the main source of coxsackievirus infection and hand-foot-and-mouth disease. The illness spreads by person-to-person contact with an infected person. The following are some of the causes for HFMD:
Prevention of HFMD:
Although Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease is usually mild and goes away by itself, it is better to take precautions and reduce the risks involved. A few ways to prevent the spread of HFMD is stated as follows:
As HFMD is a mild, yet contagious disease, it is better to stay on the safe side and take all the necessary precautions possible. It is good to teach your kids the practice of personal hygiene from a young age, making sure they wash hands every time they come home from outside, as there will be a bunch of germs and bacteria present in the hands that cant be seen with your naked eye. Although, if you’re infected and the rashes are there for more than a week, it is better to visit your doctor to avoid risks.
Stay healthy, stay happy!
Want to consult the best pediatrician in India? Please follow the links below
