Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Recently, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) has been spreading rapidly among children in Delhi and neighboring Haryana, prompting both health experts and schools to issue advisories to the public. The highly contagious viral infection is typically seen in children but can also affect adults in rare cases.

About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

HFMD is caused by several types of viruses, most commonly the Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. The disease is highly contagious and tends to spread rapidly among children, particularly in settings like daycare centers, schools, and other places where children are in close contact.

• Name: The disease is named for the characteristic blister-like rash that forms on the hands, feet, and mouth. However, the rash can also appear on other parts of the body, such as the chest, back, buttocks, and genitals.

• Age Group Affected: Infants and children under 5 are most likely to contract HFMD. While uncommon in adults, it is still possible for adults to get infected.

• Transmission: HFMD is highly contagious and spreads through:

  • Unwashed hands

  • Feces

  • Saliva

  • Mucus from the nose

  • Fluid from the blisters

  The disease spreads quickly in settings where children are in close contact, such as schools and daycare centers.

• Difference from Foot-and-Mouth Disease: HFMD should not be confused with foot-and-mouth disease (also known as hoof-and-mouth disease), which affects cattle, sheep, and swine. The two diseases are caused by different viruses and do not affect each other (humans do not get the animal disease, and animals do not get the human disease).

Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

The symptoms of HFMD typically appear 3 to 7 days after exposure to the virus and can include:

• Fever: Often the first sign of infection.

• Sore Throat: Common along with fever.

• Painful Mouth Sores: These can blister and are typically found inside the cheeks, gums, and tongue.

• Rash: Typically seen on the hands and feet, but can also spread to other areas of the body like the chest, arms, and buttocks.

• Loss of Appetite: Due to the painful mouth sores.

Most children and adults recover without complications. Complications from HFMD are rare but can include viral infections or dehydration due to difficulty swallowing.

Treatment for HFMD

There is no specific cure for HFMD, and no vaccine currently exists to prevent the disease. Treatment typically focuses on symptom management:

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease the pain from mouth sores and fever.

• Fluids: It is important to stay hydrated, especially since children may refuse to drink due to painful mouth sores.

• Topical treatments: Some soothing ointments can help relieve the pain of the rash.

Most people recover on their own within 7 to 10 days with minimal medical treatment. However, children under 2 years of age may take a little longer to clear the virus from their system.

Prevention of HFMD

Although there is no vaccine for HFMD, some preventive measures can help reduce the risk of infection:

• Good hygiene: Regular handwashing, especially after using the bathroom or before eating, can significantly reduce the spread of the virus.

• Avoiding close contact: Infected individuals should stay home from school or daycare until they have recovered to prevent spreading the infection to others.

• Disinfecting surfaces: Regularly disinfecting toys, doorknobs, and common areas can also help prevent transmission.

Conclusion

HFMD is a contagious viral infection that spreads quickly among children but is usually self-limiting with proper care and hygiene. Though complications are rare, it’s important to monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if needed, especially for infants and young children.