Posted on July 24, 2009 in latest news
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection which usually affects infants and children, although it may occur in people of all ages. HFMD is not the same as foot and mouth disease.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) occurs mostly in the summer and autumn. It is mildly contagious. There is no vaccine for HFMD.
Symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
- Fever
- Sores in the mouth
- Rash with blisters on palms of hands, soles of the feet and buttocks
- Low appetite
- Felling of unwellness
- Sore throat
All the symptoms may not be seen in all patients of HFMD. Some may not experience any symptoms at all.
HFMD is not fatal. The symptoms usually disappear in 7-10 days and the patient can lead a normal life. Rarely, a patient can develop viral meningitis. Even more rarely, paralysis can developed, which can be fatal.
How HFMD spreads
HFMD is spread from person to person through direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons.
HFMD is most contagious in the first week of the disease. But it can also spread by a person after all the symptoms have subsided.
Some people who catch the HFMD virus but do not get the symptoms can also spread the virus.
Treatment of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
There is no specialized treatment for HFMD. Symptoms are managed through medications like ibuprofen. Patients should lot of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Prevention of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
To avoid getting HFMD from people close to you who have it
- Wash hands regularly, especially after doing some task.
- Clean all the surfaces in the house that could be infected by HFMD virus.
- Avoid close contact like hugging and cuddling children who have HFMD.
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