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Coxsackie virus infection: transmission and treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Coxsackie’s disease, more popularly known as hand, foot, and mouth disease, has been alarming Mexico in recent days due to the more than 300 cases that have been registered. First of all, it is convenient to clarify that it is a fairly common condition in both babies and young children. It is not a very serious disease, in fact, it usually lasts between 1 and 2 weeks, and its symptoms disappear as they appear.

It is a contagious disease, in whose origin there are different types of virus -the Coxsackie-, and, usually, it affects both babies and young children -of less than five years- since their immune system is not yet thoroughly trained and do not have the necessary protection.

If you want to know more about this condition, in the following FastlyHealarticle, we will give you all the details you need to know about coxsackievirus infection: contagion and treatment of hand-foot-mouth disease, as well as the symptoms it produces so that you can calm down and learn how to act.

CoxsaCoxsackievirusptoms

The symptoms usually include the following:

  • Fever and increased body temperature
  • Lack of appetite
  • Sore throat
  • General discomfort
  • Painful mouth sores that start with small red dots
  • Tiny red dots also appear on the palms of the hands that, over time, turn into blisters.
  • These blisters can also appear on the genitals, elbows, buttocks, or knees.

But there are several things to consider about the symptoms of the hand-mouth disease. On the one hand, when it comes to a baby or a child who still cannot speak, it can be challenging to know with certainty what is happening to him. It is necessary to observe if she eats well, if there is any alteration in her appetite or if she is restless and with abnormal behavior.

On the other hand, it is essential to know that generally, not all symptoms appear simultaneously, nor do they have to appear all. Depending on the case, some may not appear, or others may occur, even without symptoms, but what is usually common is that they appear gradually.

How long does hand and foot mouth disease last?

We cannot say that hand, foot, and mouth disease is severe; in fact, it is not. In most cases, it passes without paramount importance and lasts between 1 and 2 weeks without treatment. But the fact that it is not shared does not mean that on rare occasions, some complications may arise, hence the importance of visiting the pediatrician to make a precise diagnosis.

On infrequent occasions, those infected may develop viral meningitis, a disease that causes symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Sleep
  • Muscular stiffness

In these cases, hospitalization becomes essential.

Coxsakie virus: contagion

The hand-foot-mouth virus is very contagious in childbirth because it is found in many areas of the body of the infected child or adult. The virus is very active, especially in:

  • Nasal and mouth secretions include saliva, mucus, sputum, or sneezing.
  • The fluid inside the blisters that form.
  • The feces of the infected.

Some of the primary forms of contagion between the infected and a healthy person are the following:

  • Contact with the infected, for example, through hugs and kisses.
  • For sharing utensils such as cutlery and glasses.
  • By coughing, sneezing, and contact with any body fluid.
  • Communication with the infected’s feces is possible when changing diapers.
  • Contact with the internal fluid of the blisters, for example, when treating it.
  • By touching surfaces or objects that the infected person has touched.

We must pay special attention to all these aspects, especially during the week in which the first symptoms appear since this is when the virus is most active. Although the disease can be contagious for up to weeks later, a person with a robust immune system may not be contagious beyond the first week.

The hand-foot-mouth virus in adults is common to occurs without any symptoms. However, this does not mean that it is not a source of contagion that can pass the virus to other people.

CoxsaCoxsackievirusdults

As we have already said, hand foot mouth disease is particularly affected in babies and young children – less than five years old. However, this does not mean that older children, adolescents, or adults can also get it.

At this point, it is essential to know that the hand-foot-mouth virus can be repeated; that is, although it is true that once it has passed, we create antibodies and have immunity against that virus, the reality is that there are different types of viruses that can cause this disease, so in practice, we can get sick again.

CoxsaCoxsackieviruspregnancy

If a woman suffers from a Coxsackie virus infection during pregnancy, nothing usually happens if she takes the proper medical follow-up; yes, she may infect the baby during delivery or the days after. If you know that you have hand, foot, and mouth disease, you should consult your doctor to avoid as much as possible that the baby is infected and, if you do, have it controlled at all times.

Mouth hand-foot: treatment

The reality is that there is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease. It is a condition similar to the common cold that heals on its own over the days and may require relief of pain and other symptoms with common pain relievers. This does not mean that you should not visit the pediatrician, something that is always necessary, but with NSAIDs and a lot of fluids, there may already be enough.

Prevention of virus mouth hand foot

Considering that there is no treatment or vaccine for this disease, it is essential to take certain precautions to minimize the risk of contracting contagion. Here are some simple measures to reduce risk :

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, significantly when you have changed diapers.
  • Don’t touch your nose, mouth, or eyes when you haven’t washed your hands.
  • Avoid very close contact with infected people as much as possible.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Coxsackie virus infection: contagion and treatment of hand-foot-mouth disease, we recommend entering our Immune system category.

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