Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - Medtick
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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

What is it?

A viral infection which affects mainly hands, feet and the mouth but not always in that combination, some may be affected in two out of the three main areas.

  • It is very contagious and tends to affect children under the age of 10 years old though adults can be affected.
  • It normally occurs 3-5 days after exposure and last for 7-10 days and clears away on its own.
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be used under medical supervision only above six months, however Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is not recommended in asthma or asthma type symptoms. Check with your Medical doctor/Pharmacist when one can have any type of fever reducing medication to make sure it suitable for you.

Cause

  • Virus: Cocksackie A, Cocksackie B
  • Spread via coughing and sneezing
  • Touching contaminated objects and surfaces
  • Contact with infected stools (faeces)
  • Contact with the fluid in the blisters

Symptoms

Initial symptoms:

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Sore throat?
  • A new rash that has appeared or existing rash getting worst?

Three days later:

  • Swollen lymph glands and/or reoccurring mouth ulcers, spots in mouth develop into mouth ulcers on and around tongue, gums and cheeks?
  • Difficulty to eat or swallow?
  • Non-itchy small blistery spotty rash (sore look like chicken pox but are smaller) on palms of hands and between fingers?
  • Non-itchy small blistery spotty rash (sore look like chicken pox but are smaller) on soles of feet and between toes?
  • Non-itchy small blistery spotty rash (sore look like chicken pox but are smaller) on buttocks and genitals?
  • Non-itchy small blistery spotty rash (sore look like chicken pox but are smaller) on chest?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

General tips

  • Please don’t breathe on others as this virus can spread via air droplets
  • Please don’t kisses, touch saliva, touch open sores or rash or touch faeces (in faeces virus can survive for four weeks) of infected person as it can spread.
  • If having symptoms please cover your nose when sneezing and throw tissues in the bin and wipe all surfaces and objects when touched as the virus can survive for days on surfaces.
  • Washing hands thoroughly and maintain toilet hygiene is essential especially when handling infected objects, nappies, wiping others bottoms
  • Please be aware even if your symptoms clear up, one can still spread the condition as the virus stay in your body for four weeks.

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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