Coxsackie virus: how not to get sick and what to do if it did happen
Educational Program Health / / December 30, 2020
What are Coxsackie viruses
Coxsackie virusesCoxsackievirus Infections - these are representatives of the genus enteroviruses, that is, viruses that multiply especially actively in the gastrointestinal tract (entero is translated from Latin as "intestines"). Most often, the infection affects childrenHand, Foot, and Mouth Disease under the age of 5. But both teenagers and adults can suffer from a viral attack.
For the first time, the pathogen was discovered in the 1940s in children from the American city of Coxsackie. The location gave the infection its name.
Close relatives of Coxsackie viruses are the causative agents of poliomyelitis and hepatitis A. Despite such connections, Coxsackie in most cases does not representCoxsackievirus in children: How serious is it? a serious threat to health. Although sometimes the symptoms of this infection can be frightening.
What are the symptoms of Coxsackie virus
Signs of infection with Coxsackie viruses appear suddenly, like with the flu. These includeCoxsackievirus in children: How serious is it?:
- A sharp rise in temperature (above 38 ° C).
- Dizziness, headache.
- Sore throat.
- Painful sensations in muscles and joints.
- Rash. This is the most characteristic symptom, but often it appears only on the second or third day of the disease. The rash concentrates on the palms and inner surfaces of the hands, soles, and around the mouth. Also, painful red blisters can occur on the gums, tongue, palate, inner surface of the cheeks, tonsils.
See what the rash looks like.
Close.
This is what a classic infection caused by Coxsackie viruses looks like. However, in each case, the disease proceeds according to its own scenario. A small child may simply have a fever - and this fever will be the only oneCoxsackievirus Infections sign. According to Rospotrebnadzor, from 50%Prevention of infection caused by Coxsackie viruses up to 85%Enterovirus infection in questions and answers cases of infection with Coxsackie viruses are generally asymptomatic.
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Why are Coxsackie viruses dangerous and when you need to see a doctor
As we have already said, most often Coxsackie viruses are not dangerous. But if you suspect this infection, it is better to consult a pediatrician (or a physician). The fact is that in rare cases, the disease can cause serious complications:
- Viral meningitis. This is a disease in which the lining of the brain or spinal cord becomes inflamed.
- Encephalitis. This is the name of the inflammation of various parts of the brain.
- Myocarditis. He is an inflammation of the heart muscle.
If it comes to complications (we will emphasize once again: this happens very rarely), the symptoms of the Coxsackie virus become more pronounced. Call your doctor immediately or even call an ambulance if you see several of the following signs at oncePrevention of infection caused by Coxsackie viruses:
- Fever exceeds 38 ° C in a child under 6 months of age or 38.8 ° C in an older child;
- against the background of fever, appetite drops sharply, problems arise with feeding;
- vomiting or diarrhea;
- have breathing problems: the child breathes more often than usual, or gasps for air with his open mouth;
- there are complaints of chest or abdominal pain;
- there is a severe sore throat;
- there is a severe headache - especially if it is accompanied by vomiting, drowsiness, confusion;
- there are wounds at the site of the rash in the mouth or on the skin;
- eyes are red, look puffy;
- there is the so-called stiffness of the neck muscles: they are tense, it hurts the child to turn his head;
- the boy complains of pain in one or both testicles.
How to treat the Coxsackie virus
If there are complications, the patient is referred to a hospital. If we are talking about the classic Coxsackie virus, then there is no cure as such. There are no pills for viral infections, antibiotics in this case, they are useless, so the body must cope with the disease on its own.
Typically, the temperature subsides within 1-3 days, and other symptoms disappear completely within a week.
To alleviate the condition of a child (or a sick adult), doctors recommendCoxsackievirus Infections:
- Relax. For the duration of the illness, it is worth giving up physical activity.
- More drink. In the first days of the disease, a person sweats profusely and may refuse to drink because of a sore throat. It is dangerous to dehydrate. Therefore, you need to persuade to drink.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Which ones - consult your pediatrician or therapist. This is important because, for example, popular ibuprofen-based drugs are not recommended.Scarlet fever with infections accompanied by rashes.
How not to get Coxsackie virus
This ailment belongs to diseases "unwashed hands». Infection most often occurs when an object contaminated with Coxsackie viruses gets into the mouth. These can be unwashed fingers, fruits, vegetables, and other food. In addition, viruses survive well in warm water, so you can pick them up by accidentally sipping liquids, for example, from a pool or someone else's cup.
Coxsackie viruses are highly contagious. The only defenseHand, Foot, and Mouth Disease from them - compliance with the rules of hygiene.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. This procedure should take at least 20 seconds. It is especially important to do this in public places, after going to the toilet and changing diapers, as well as before eating.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact, such as kissing and hugging, and do not share dishes with people you are unsure of.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Do not under any circumstances gulp water in pools and other reservoirs and forbid children to do it.
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