Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) or hand, foot, and mouth disease, commonly known as Singapore flu, is an acute viral disease caused by Coxsackievirus A5, A7, A9, A10, A16, B1, B2, B3, B5, and Enterovirus. The most common viruses that cause HFMD are Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. HFMD can heal itself without residual symptoms, but if serious complications occur, they are usually caused by Enterovirus 71.
SYMPTOMS OF HFMD
• Fever around 38-39°C which can last 24-48 hours.
• Sore throat/soreness when swallowing.
• Decreased appetite.
• Red spots in the mouth or on the back of the mouth that later burst into blistering sores surrounded by a rash.
• Redness on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and can also be found on the legs, arms, buttocks, and skin around the genitals.
HFMD most commonly occurs in children, but can also occur in adults. Complaints that often arise from HFMD after a few weeks of the acute phase include the shedding of fingernails and toenails. However, this abnormality is temporary and the nails can grow back.
TRANSMISSION OF HFMD
HFMD can be transmitted through:
• Nasal fluid (mucus), throat (saliva, phlegm), fluid from burst blisters.
• Close contact with patients (talking, hugging, kissing), through the air (sneezing, coughing).
• Contact with the patient’s feces.
• Contact with objects or surfaces contaminated by the virus (touching door handles, table surfaces, or furniture contaminated with the virus).
• The first week of this disease is highly contagious.
TREATMENT OF HFMD
There is no specific treatment for this disease, treatment is only symptomatic to alleviate the complaints it causes. One of the medications that can be given is:
• Antipyretics can be given to treat fever and pain.
• Drink plenty of water to help reduce fever.
• Mouthwash can be given to children to adults to reduce pain caused by sores inside the mouth.
• Antihistamines can also be given to reduce itching.
If there are complaints such as the above, seek treatment at RS Pusat Pertamina for more comprehensive care. For more information, please CLICK & to see the schedule of Dr. Aprilina Dwi Sulistyowati, MSc, Spkk, please CLICK.
Stay Healthy
Article written by: Dr. Aprilina Dwi Sulistyowati, MSc, Spkk
Source: The article has been published with the same title on page https://www.rspp.co.id/artikel-detail-167-Hand-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease.-Penyebab,-Gejala,-dan-Perawatan.html