Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - Should You Worry?

by Andrea L. Algar

Just the name "Hand, foot and mouth disease" sounds serious, and a bit scary. First thing that comes to mind is often "mad cow disease", which isn't related at all. Hand, foot and mouth disease is a virus that usually attacks children during summer months, but it can also affect adults, who can pass along the disease without showing any signs themselves.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HF&M) can begin in late May and extend through the end of August. The disease is commonly caused by the coxsackievirus. Each year, many cases are reported, and is most common in children younger than five year of age. It usually starts with a fever, poor appetite and a sore throat. In a few days, painful blister-like mouth sores develop. A skin rash on the palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet may pop up after 1-2 days.

 It is important to monitor those infected because the sores in the mouth are very painful and can cause the person to avoid drinking, which can lead to severe dehydration, which is one of the biggest risks with the virus.

The virus itself can spread to adults and other children. It is spread by personal contact such as saliva, blister fluids, coughing, sneezing, and commonly through dirty diaper contamination.

While the virus rarely leads to life-threatening complications, Dr. Greg Bowen encourages you to bring your child to the pediatrician if you suspect he/she has come into contact with the virus.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mayo Clinic - Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease