Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease: Latest Facts To Help You Keep Safe

Hand, foot and Mouth Disease, a viral infection has now hit the Florida State University. Now, experts gather to educate the public about the useful things they need to know about hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Typically hand, foot and mouth disease affects infants and toddlers, but according to local reports it has now entered the University with a handful of students affected. Self.com wrote that corresponding actions were taken by the University to contain potential spread of the hand, foot and mouth disease includes canceling several events and sanitizing many key areas of the campus.

The enterovirus gene viruses are responsible for causing the hand, foot and mouth disease. The expression 'entero' in the name of the virus also means that the virus resides in the intestines and passes from one individual to the other through oral or fecal route.

Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease

A Sore throat, reduced appetite, and fever are among the early symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease, according to CDC. Few days after the initial onset, fever can start with painful sores developing in the mouth and skin rashes can follow with blisters and red spots on the palm and soles across the next few days. According to ABC News, these symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease can also appear on the buttocks, elbows, knees or genital area.

Importantly, every affected individual may not experience all the symptoms and in rare instances, no symptoms may be seen in adults though they can potentially promote spreading of the virus.

Transmission of the virus

The hand, foot and mouth disease virus can transmit through nasal mucus, saliva, fluid from the blister and feces. Close personal contact with an infected person can also cause transmission of the hand, foot and mouth disease through sneezing, coughing, changing diapers etc. Contact with surfaces contaminated by the affected person can also cause spreading of the virus.

Treatment options

While the hand, foot and mouth disease is not known to be generally dangerous, pediatricians come across the disease more frequently. Health Line reported that only symptoms are treated with OTC medications to help reduce fever and relief from pain. Sprays and/or mouthwashes may also be recommended by your physician.

Generally, the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease tend to fade away in about one week.