How To Avoid Foot, Hand And Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (also known as HFMD) is a human disease caused by intestinal viruses of Picornaviridae family. The most infectious strains are Coxsackie A virus and Enterovirus 71. Once infected, the throat and tonsils develop small ulcers while the hands, feet and the groin area forms rashes like blisters.

Although not a serious threat in health and considered a mild illness, HFMD must still be treated properly. The disease can be acquired through direct contact with an infected person through saliva, nasal discharge, stool of the infected person and rashes fluid. Anyone are prone to this disease but young children are more susceptible because of their weak antibodies.

Below are its symptoms:

- Fever

- Ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue

- headache

- Blisters on hand, feet and the diaper area.

- Lost of appetite

- Malaise

- Sore throat

- Fatigue

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

The spread of the virus are often caused by direct contact from the infected person, therefore hand washing plays a vital role in avoiding HFMD from virus infected hands.

Hand, foot and mouth disease has no specific treatment and all of its symptoms can be treated with regular or traditional pain medication of mouth sores, fever and aches. Usual drug medications can be used to regulate the fever and constant fluid intake for diarrhea and other symptoms to prevent dehydration. Mouthwashes can be used to treat mouth sores.

If you happen to have the symptoms of HFMD, it is best to isolate yourself from the other house mates inside your home. This is to prevent the disease to further spread into your family. If the symptoms are severe, hospitalization is definitely recommended.

How to prevent HFMD? As this is an infectious viral disease, the most common preventive measure you can apply is a good hygiene practices. This includes washing your hands frequently especially when you are in public areas, use sanitary napkins, always clean your surroundings and avoid contact with sick people.

Hand, foot and mouth disease can lead to other serious diseases if not immediately treated. Take note that HFMD is a different viral infection from foot and mouth disease. Foot and mouth disease are mainly caused by virus founds in animals such as swine, sheep and cattle and definitely not related to HFMD.

Most viral infections that are known today are still curable and natural treatments are enough to get rid of them. Always remember to apply good and proper hygiene as these viruses never survives clean places. Protect yourself and your family from this diseases, especially hand, foot and mouth disease.