A surge of hand foot mouth disease in infants across India, especially in Gujarat, created such havoc a primary school in Ahmedabad had to shut down due to the fear of the outbreak.
A frequent infection in kids called hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) results in blisters or rashes on their hands, feet, legs, buttocks and sores called ulcers within or around their mouths. Although it might hurt, it is not a severe condition. Contrary to foot-and-mouth disease, caused by a distinct virus and only affects animals, this condition is not the same.
In this view Team, VOI met with a few city-based pediatricians to understand the disease better.
According to Dr Vatsal Shah, Pediatrician at We-care hospital, “HFMD is a common viral infection, it happens a lot every year, mostly around monsoon time. It mainly happens in small children but it can happen to others and mostly the school-going kids predominantly five years old. It can spread from one infected person to another, through respiratory saliva, if they pass each other through contact as well. The symptoms are just like other virus infections but peculiarly it begins with fever, a sore throat, and itchiness and the main diagnostic pointers are the painful rashes on the hands, foot and mouth. Any blood test or lab test is not required to diagnose this disease, this usually lasts for three to five days then the painful rashes settle down.”
Additionally, Dr Vatsal explained the reason behind the disease. He said, “The virus gets activated during this season only and since school is a crowded place kids keep playing in close vicinity also hygiene is at its lowest during the monsoon time. Monsoon is the time of every viral infection especially those related to maintaining hygiene.”
Dr Hardik Patel explained a few home remedies for blisters caused by the virus. He mentioned, “Certain at-home treatments can also provide relief from HFMD symptoms. You can try the following home remedies to help make blisters less bothersome:
sucking on ice chips or popsicles
eating ice cream or sherbet.”
He added, “Swishing warm salt water around in your mouth may also help relieve the pain associated with mouth blisters and throat sores. You can do this several times a day or as often as needed.”
Dr Hardik also explained the factors which need to be taken care of in this virus. He said, “If your child should feel better within 7 to 10 days after the initial onset of symptoms. Getting the infection again is uncommon. The body usually builds up immunity to the viruses that cause the disease.
Potential complications of HFMD include:-
Dehydration
Fingernail or toenail loss
Viral meningitis
Encephalitis
Paralysis
Myocarditis.”
Furthermore, Dr Patel added, “If you or your child experience symptoms such as a fever or sore throat, stay home from school or work. It’s best to avoid contact with others once the blisters and rashes develop. This can help you avoid spreading the disease to others.”
Dr Harshil Savalia, Neonatal Physician at Sunshine Children Hospital, articulated the seriousness of the disease. He said, “It causes some rashes in the hand foot and mouth, usually, the case recovers by seven to than days, and it is not a serious disorder. These viruses, the medical science has known them for more than 20 odd years but it has never been a serious disease and it is not a serious disease at present so nothing to worry too much about.”
