HFMD
HFMD It is caused by a virus called Enterovirus through direct contact with or touching something contaminated with the saliva or feces of a sick person, so you can get infected by touching a doorknob or playing with the same toy. Plus, the infection can be spread from the onset of symptoms. The most contagious stage is the first week following symptoms appear. But some people can still detect the infection in the stool. Even following being healed for several weeks
How severe are the symptoms?
Children with hand, foot and mouth disease It usually begins with a fever, sores in the mouth, ranging from the hard palate to the soft palate, or sometimes on the bulge of the cheeks or on the tongue. Some people develop a lot of it on their lips or around their lips. In addition, there will be a rash on the hands and feet. Most of them are red blisters or sometimes clear blisters on the palms and soles of the feet. crotch, fingers, toes, etc.
Actually, the symptoms are not just blisters on the hands and feet. or only have a heat ulcer Some people may experience diarrhea, fever, convulsions, or even severe symptoms. encephalitis And there is a high chance of death, so parents must observe their children well. If you see that your child is experiencing lethargy, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, seizures, spasms, loss of consciousness, or trembling hands, trembling legs, staggering, seek immediate medical attention.
If a child has it, how should it be treated?
Most of the disease will disappear by itself in 5-7 days, which the doctor will treat according to the symptoms. If you have a fever, take antipyretics. or wipe the body to reduce the fever If there is a lot of itching, antihistamines may be given.
if you don’t want to get infected How to protect children?
There is currently a vaccine once morest Enterovirus 71 that protects once morest hand, foot and mouth disease and the serious complications associated with this infection. But it can’t protect once morest all other Enterovirus types that cause HFMD. But even then it can stop the spread of infection. When a child develops a disease, he must stop school until it is healed to reduce the spread of the infection. It can be spread from contact with things contaminated with saliva or feces. which children may not be careful in this regard Therefore, the best way is to maintain proper hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before and following eating. including following going to the bathroom which will help a lot
Asst. Prof. Dr. Chonmeth Techasaensiri, MD Department of Pediatrics
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University