Understanding Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Causes and Symptoms

Despite efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we remain susceptible to common illnesses like colds. While adults often have strong immunity protecting them from many ailments, children are more vulnerable. One such illness is hand-foot-and-mouth disease, a contagious condition that can affect both children and adults. It features painful sores on the hands, feet, mouth, and occasionally on the legs and buttocks, causing significant discomfort.

What leads to hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
This illness is caused by the coxsackievirus A16, a type of nonpolio enterovirus. It spreads through contact with an infected person's saliva, droplets from coughing or sneezing, or contaminated surfaces. Due to its contagious nature, it easily transmits among children and adults.

Key symptoms of the disease
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease initially presents with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and loss of appetite. As it progresses, painful blisters and red sores develop on the hands, feet, mouth, and sometimes on the legs and buttocks. Recognizing these early signs allows for timely treatment to alleviate discomfort.

Common signs include:

Fever: Usually between 101°F and 103°F, indicating the start of the infection. The fever typically appears within three days of exposure.

Sore throat: Rawness and pain in the throat often occur due to close contact with infected individuals, making swallowing difficult.

Blister formation: Painful blisters and red sores develop on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. These can hinder daily activities like eating, drinking, and walking, and the fluid from blisters can infect others.

Decreased appetite: Mouth sores and general discomfort usually decrease the desire to eat and drink.