The viruses that cause HFMD lurk in the fluids in an infected person’s body, including: Saliva Mucus from their nose or lungs Fluid from blisters or scabs Poop Hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads through: Coughing or sneezing Close contact like kissing, hugging, sharing cups, or sharing utensils Contact with poop, like when changing a diaper Touching surfaces with the… Continue reading Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Transmission
Month: August 2022
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Symptoms
Early symptoms may include: Fever Sore throat Painful blisters inside a child’s mouth, usually toward the back, or on their tongue Feeling unwell (malaise) Loss of appetite Fatigue Crankiness A day or two later, a child might have: Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease on Hand – Triggered by coxsackievirus infection, hand, foot & mouth causes blistering of the hands, feet and… Continue reading Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Symptoms
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Causes and Risk Factors
The viruses that usually cause hand, foot, and mouth are named coxsackievirus a16 and enterovirus 71. Anyone can have the disease, but children under age 5 are most likely to get it. It tends to spread easily in the summer and fall.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infection in children that causes sores called ulcers inside or around their mouth and a rash or blisters on their hands, feet, legs, or buttocks. It can be painful, but it isn’t serious. It’s not the same thing as foot-and-mouth disease, which comes from a different virus and affects only animals..
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?
Call the healthcare provider if your child has: Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse New symptoms Key points about the flu in children Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection of the respiratory system. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms. Most children are ill with the… Continue reading When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?
How can I help prevent the flu in my child?
The best way to prevent flu is to have the yearly flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is given as a shot (injection). A nasal spray is not recommended for the 2017-2018 flu season. The CDC says this is because the nasal spray did not seem to protect against the flu over the last several flu seasons. Each… Continue reading How can I help prevent the flu in my child?
Possible complications
The flu can cause severe breathing problems. A child with severe symptoms may need to stay in the hospital. The flu can lead to a lung infection called pneumonia. In some cases, the flu can lead to death.
Flu treatment in a peds
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. The goal of treatment is to help prevent or ease symptoms. Treatment may include medicines such as: Acetaminophen. This is to help lessen body aches and fever. Don’t give aspirin to a child with a… Continue reading Flu treatment in a peds
Flu diagnosed in a child
The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. The symptoms are often enough to diagnose the flu. Your child’s provider may do other tests, depending on your child’s symptoms and overall health.
Important to note that a cold and the flu have different symptoms:
Cold symptoms Flu symptoms Low or no fever High fever Sometimes a headache Headache in most cases Stuffy, runny nose Clear nose, or stuffy nose in some cases Sneezing Sneezing in some cases Mild, hacking cough Cough, often turning severe Mild body aches Severe body aches Mild tiredness Extreme tiredness that can last weeks Sore… Continue reading Important to note that a cold and the flu have different symptoms: