During infancy and school years, children get sick very easily due to many diseases that spread through the school.
At some specific time of the year, children are sure to get sick from colds, coughs, or flu. What is scarier is that the illnesses that spread are much worse than a cold.
Doctors warn parents to be careful because there are symptoms that point out a mouth, hand, and foot disease.
What Is Mouth, Hand, and Foot Disease?
This is a type of viral disease that affects children and infants, younger than five years old. Also, it can affect adult people. Every year, this disease affects more than 200,000 people in America. One of the first symptoms that begin the onset of this illness is a fever, sore throat, and appetite.
One or two days after the fever starts, some painful sores can develop in the mouth. They can begin as small, red spots in the back of the mouth. Then the spot blisters can turn into ulcers.
These red spots and blisters can also appear on the skin, usually on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Further, it can affect the knees, buttocks, elbows, or genital area.
This type of disease can cause dehydration because it is painful to swallow water because of mouth sores. It is a matter of a highly contagious disease that can be easily spread by contact with saliva or mucus. This is why it is so common in schools because it can be spread through a kiss, sneeze, or even a handshake.
Experts from the West Central Health District in Georgia warn parents that this year can be the record-breaking one for this type of disease. What is surprising is that it outbreaks in both children and college students. A major outbreak has occurred in Georgia and this can affect the southeastern states. This also happened in September at Florida State University and in at least four schools in New Jersey.
Symptoms of Mouth, Hand, and Foot Disease that You Should Be Cautious About
1. Fever
2. Sore throat
3. Red, painful blister lesions on the tongue, the inside part of the cheeks, and gums
4. Blistering red rash on the palms and soles
5. Irritability in toddlers and infants
6. Loss of appetite
Prevention of Mouth, Hand, and Foot Diseases
You can lower the risk of this type of disease if you are careful with your own hygiene and your children’s hygiene.
- Wash your hand any time you change diapers or go to the bathroom.
- Regularly clean and disinfect the areas that are usually touched.
- Regularly clean and disinfect the children’s toys.
If your children experience this type of disease, make sure you keep them at home until they have been cleared by a doctor. You won’t be given any specific treatment but some rest and plenty of fluids will be of great help.
There is a greater chance of an outbreak of mouth, hand, and foot disease during warm winters.
This video will provide more information about the symptoms of this illness.
Via David Wolfe
