Six things to know about Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

1. What is the cause of  Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a variety of viruses such as Coxsackievirus A16, A5, A9, A10, B2, B5, and Enterovirus 71. It usually occurs in children under age 5. Severity is greater the younger the child. It is unusual for this disease to happen in an adult.

2. What are the symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Symptoms start with a fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and sore throat. After 1 to 2 days, the sore throat will worsen and open sores will appear inside the throat. Other symptoms include blisters on the palm of the hands, the soles of the feet, and occasionally on the knees, elbows, hips, and genitalia area.

3. How is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease spreading?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease can spread three ways:

  • Direct contact with the infected person’s nasal secretion, saliva, and fluid from the blisters
  • Feces of the infected person
  • Coughing and sneezing from the infected person

4. When should you come to the hospital to see the doctor?

  • Fever above 39 degree Celsius for more than 48 hours
  • Dehydration caused by unable to eat or drink
  • Neurological signs i.e. severe depress, headache, uncontrollable seizure

5. Ways to prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

  • Hands washing before meals
  • Avoid direct contact with the infected person
  • Do not share the same glass and utensils with the infected person

6. Is this Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease dangerous? Can it cause death?

Normally, hand, foot, and mouth disease is not dangerous. But the complications can be fatal in very rare cases such as meningitis or encephalitis, or inflammation of the cardiac muscle can lead to heart failure.

If you suspect your child has the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, please bring them in to see us 24 hours a day.