Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

Recent Influx of Hand Foot and Mouth

Any parent with young children might be hearing through their child’s school or daycare that Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is affecting youngsters in the community. According to the Glasgow Clinic, there has been a recent influx of the disease, however the number of cases are unknown as not all families come in for verification of diagnosis.

The Center for Disease Control states Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than five years old. However, it can occur in older children and adults. One key aspect of this virus, just like other viruses, is that not everyone will get symptoms, and some people may even be infected and show no symptoms at all, but still pass along the virus to others.

The illness usually starts with a low-grade fever of between 100.4 and 101.5, reduced appetite, sore throat and a feeling of being unwell. One or two days after the fever starts, painful sores develop in the mouth, usually beginning as small red spots, often in the back of the mouth, that blister and become painful. A skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet may also develop over one or two days as flat, red spots, sometimes with blisters. The Glasgow Clinic states the the disease is highly contagious and can stick around between seven and 10 days. A child also can not return to normal activities such as daycare and school until 24 hours after experiencing no symptoms.

Because Hand, Foot and Mouth is a virus, there is no treatment that can be given unless there are underlying conditions such as strep throat. If a doctor note is needed or a confirmation of diagnosis is warranted, the doctors at the Glasgow Clinic will be happy to see the patient. However they advise to stay home and utilize over-the-counter medicine to relieve symptoms such as pain and fever. They also advise those who have the disease to drink enough liquids in order to prevent dehydration.

Anyone can be exposed to the virus through personal contact, such as hugging an infected person, through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by contacting contaminated objects and surfaces, like touching doorknobs that have viruses on them, and then touching eyes, mouth, and/or nose before washing your hands. “The key to prevention of this disease is washing your hands with soap and water often and before eating,” said Leslie Simensen, a registered nurse at the Valley County Health Department. “Disinfecting surfaces, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes are all ways to prevent the spread of the disease.”

If a family member is suspected to have Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, keep them away from other people, and start wiping down common items such as doorknobs, cell phones, television remotes, toys and sink handles. Proper hand hygiene will also prevent the spread of the virus. “Wash your hands, everybody!” said Dr. Knierim, primary physician at the Glasgow Clinic.

The CDC states there is currently no vaccine in the United States to protect against the virus that causes the disease, but anyone can lower the risk of infection by washing hands often with soap and water, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact such as sharing eating utensils or cups with people affected with the disease.

If there are any concerns about symptoms experienced or about the disease, contact your primary care physician.

 

Reader Comments(0)