smileband health issues

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that is caused by Coxsackievirus A16 and usually affects infants and children younger than 5 years old.

Symptoms can include:

• fever
• reduced appetite
• sore throat
• malaise
• painful sores in the mouth
• skin rash with red spots and/or blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

Complications are rare but viral meningitis, encephalitis, and fingernail and toenail loss can occur.

Transmission 
Transmission may occur from close contact with the infected individual, contact with feces, or contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. Transmission may also occur through the air via coughing or sneezing.

It is possible to get infected with the viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease if you swallow recreational water, such as water in swimming pools. However, this is not very common.

The incubation period is 3 to 6 days.

Lab Tests & Specimen Info 

Test*	Specimen
Culture	Blood, CSF, Rectal Swab, NP Swab, Throat Swab, Stool, Urine
IgG/IgM Serology (a positive test alone does NOT necessarily indicate a current or recent infection due to passive exposure to infected hosts)	Serum, Plasma

  Isolation Precautions 

Standard precautions are recommended in healthcare settings.

Prevention for Patients 
A person can lower their risk of being infected by:

• Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys.
• Avoiding close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with people with hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Public Health Actions 
Individuals are most contagious while the fever and sore throat are present.

Individuals with fever should be excluded from school or childcare until they are fever-free for 24-hours without the use of a fever-reducing medication.