Parents, take note! What is hand, foot, and mouth disease, and how is it transmitted?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease, which is generally seen in the summer months, has recently begun to appear in the autumn and winter months as well.

The disease, which loves stuffy environments and spreads in indoor playgrounds and nurseries that are preferred especially in winter, is causing fear among parents.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease, one of the rash-causing illnesses of childhood, can lead to concerns among families such as "Does my child have measles? Are they having chickenpox?"

So, how can you tell the difference? Is it a contagious disease? How long is it normal for it to last? Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Doctor Osman Karlı explained.

What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral illness. The causative agents are mostly viruses called Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. It spreads very quickly.

How is it transmitted?

• Nasal secretions,
• Saliva,

• Feces, and
• Respiratory droplets.

In which months is it seen more often?

In the summer months, cases were mostly seen due to the use of beaches, pools, and sun loungers.

However, it has now begun to be seen more frequently in the winter months due to kindergartens and nurseries where contact is high, and indoor playgrounds where circulation is fast and hygiene rules are not strictly followed.

What are the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease?

• After the disease is transmitted, high fever and sore throat, fatigue, and loss of appetite are usually seen first.
• There are red, fluid-filled blisters and rashes on the hands, feet, around the mouth, and sometimes inside the mouth.
• Severe itching and pain due to the rash may be observed.
• Difficulty in eating and swallowing may occur due to sores inside the mouth.
• Rashes can rarely spread to the hip area, torso, and face.
• The recovery period is approximately 7-10 days, and contagiousness ends after an average of 7 days.
• Those who catch the disease should stay at home during this period and pay attention to hygiene and contact precautions to prevent transmission to other individuals in the house.
• Depending on the severity of the disease and the immune status of the sick person, complications such as meningitis (inflammation of the brain membranes), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), and febrile seizures can rarely be seen.
  
  

How is diagnosis and treatment performed?

The diagnosis of the disease is made through the patient's physical examination and clinical findings. In cases where the clinical picture is not clear, additional swab samples and laboratory tests may be requested.

Is there a specific treatment?

• Treatments aimed at reducing complaints are applied. Attention should be paid to high fluid intake.
• Attention should be paid to healthy nutrition; plenty of fruits and vegetables and foods rich in probiotics should be consumed.
• In case of fever and pain, painkillers and fever reducers can be used.
• For sores inside the mouth, local anesthetic-antiseptic sprays and mouthwashes can be preferred.
• Topical or systemic antihistamine drugs can be used for rashes and itching.

Is there a possibility of catching it again?

Since more than one virus type causes this disease and it does not leave permanent immunity, people who have had the disease can catch it again.

Is it seen in adults?

Although rare, adults can also catch this disease.