Why is hand, foot and mouth in children dangerous?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with Dr. Le Thu Phuong - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness caused by a virus. The disease is common in children under the age of 5, including infants. Usually, the disease will have a mild progression and resolve on its own after 2 weeks. However, in some cases, the disease can cause more serious complications such as meningitis, paralysis and even death.

1. Why are children under 5 at high risk of hand, foot and mouth disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious disease caused by several strains of viruses, the most common being coxsackie virus A16 or Entero 71 virus. The disease is common in children under 5 years old with many different causes such as:
Contact with fluids from the nose, throat, or feces of an infected child. Usually children under 5 years old have a habit of sucking on toys and playing with toys together. So hand, foot and mouth disease is very contagious at this age. The nursery environment is the most favorable environment for the hand, foot and mouth virus to spread most quickly. In addition, the subjects had no knowledge in disease prevention. If children are not instructed to wash their hands regularly with soap, it also increases the risk of disease.

2. Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease

The incubation period for hand, foot and mouth disease usually lasts from 3 to 6 days. Consists of two main stages, the initiation phase and the full development phase.
2.1 Early stage Children will have symptoms of sore throat, fever from 37.5 to 39 degrees Celsius, burning sensation in teeth and mouth, salivation, loss of appetite or loss of appetite.
2.2 Full-blown stage Occurs 1.2 days after the onset of symptoms with symptoms including:
A blister-like rash on palms, feet, knees, buttocks, vesicular nodules may be hidden or raised on the skin. When touched, these spots do not feel pain or itching. Pain, mouth ulcers: Children appear mouth sores on the lining of the cheeks, tongue and gums. Blisters may appear 2-3 mm in diameter, which are fragile. When they burst, they leave sores that cause pain, discomfort, crying, and refusal to eat. In addition, there may also be symptoms such as: Consciousness disturbance, convulsions, delirium, appearance of sores, blisters on the buttocks.

3. Treatment of hand foot and mouth disease in children

Currently, there is no cure for hand, foot and mouth disease because the disease is caused by a virus. Conventional treatment is aimed at treating symptoms only. Depending on the resistance of each child, the severity of symptoms may vary.
If the mother actively takes care of the baby, hand, foot and mouth disease after 7-10 days can be completely cured. However, if the child has severe hand, foot and mouth disease, the child's symptoms are difficult to control such as: high fever, constant crying, convulsions, vomiting, trembling limbs, ... then parents need to take the child to the doctor. Hand, foot and mouth treatment at trusted medical facilities. Children with hand, foot and mouth disease can still get it again when they have another virus that causes illness.
Hand, foot and mouth disease can cause serious complications to children's life
Causes encephalitis, meningitis, cranial nerve palsy , circulatory failure Hypertension, heart failure, acute pulmonary edema, myocarditis, vascular collapse.

4. Measures to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease for children

4.1 For teaching establishments, preschools It is necessary to clean and wipe the classrooms for children, regularly wash toys daily with antibacterial soap. Enhancing education for children and parents about hand, foot and mouth disease. When children begin to show symptoms of the disease, children need to rest at home, to avoid going to school and spreading the infection to many other children. 4.2 Prevention of hand, foot and mouth disease at home Regularly clean the house and household objects with common cleaning solutions. Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap often before eating, after using the toilet, and after playing with other children. Instruct children to use their elbows to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. Stay away from children who are showing signs of illness and children who are suspected of having hand, foot and mouth disease. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific drug for hand, foot and mouth disease, so it is necessary to raise awareness of disease prevention by personal hygiene. Once a child shows signs of illness, they should immediately take them to reputable facilities for timely examination.
Pediatrics department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, pneumonia in young, ... With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from the doctors with professional experience with pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern of the parents.
If there is a need for consultation and examination at the Hospitals of the National Health System, please book an appointment on the website to be served.

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