One disease that is often reported to outbreak frequently in young children is Hand Foot Mouth Disease, causing many parents to become concerned about how to prevent it or what happens when it occurs… Today, we will share essential information about “Hand Foot Mouth Disease” for everyone to know, to help with prevention.
Children under 5 years old… are at the highest risk
Hand Foot Mouth Disease is caused by Enterovirus 71 (EV 71) and Coxsackie virus A, with an incubation period of 3-6 days after infection before symptoms begin. The group at highest risk is children under 5 years old, especially those aged 6 months to 3 years.
Transmission routes
The disease can be transmitted through saliva containing the virus from mouth sores, respiratory secretions, breath, nasal mucus, fluid from sores, and feces. Adults can also contract the virus from children in the family, but symptoms may be mild or asymptomatic.
Suspicious symptoms
After 3-6 days of infection, children will start to have a fever and develop painful sores inside the mouth, on the tongue, and cheeks. Red spots or blisters may appear on the palms, soles, arms, legs, and around the buttocks. If these symptoms occur, it is dangerous and you should see a doctor immediately.
- High fever of 39 degrees Celsius or fever lasting more than 2 days
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Lethargy, sleeping all day, difficult to wake up
- Frequent vomiting more than 2-3 times
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Startle reflex or twitching in someone who never had these symptoms before, or seizures, unconsciousness
- Decreased consciousness, unsteady walking; in young children, there may be constant irritability and crying
- Severe headache
Severe symptoms that may be found include meningitis and brainstem encephalitis. In severe cases, symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Disease may or may not be present. Those at risk of complications are children under 3 years old or those with underlying conditions such as heart disease or asthma.
Treatment and care when infected
Hand Foot Mouth Disease is caused by a virus, so there is no antiviral medication. The body must build immunity to eliminate the virus. During the time when there are mouth sores, children may have difficulty eating, drool constantly, and have trouble swallowing. It is recommended to give soft foods, cold water, sweet drinks, ice cream, diluted and cold milk, and encourage drinking plenty of fluids and maintaining oral hygiene.
If the child still cannot eat and becomes lethargic, it is advised to see a doctor because complications such as encephalitis or myocarditis may occur.
Maintaining cleanliness is the best prevention
Since there is no vaccine for this virus, the best prevention is hand washing, personal hygiene care, cleaning toys and utensils, and avoiding taking children to places where they may be exposed to the disease, such as playgrounds.
