Coxsackie Virus or Hand-foot-and-mouth Disease

What is coxsackie virus? 

Coxsackie virus is one of the common summertime viruses. It causes several different types of illness. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is painful red blisters in the throat and mouth as well as on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Herpangina is another illness caused by Coxsackie virus which causes ulcers on the tonsils and at the back of the throat. Very rarely coxsackie virus can cause meningitis, an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, or myocarditis, an infection of the heart muscle. 

What are the symptoms of coxsackie virus? 

Some children suddenly develop fevers of 101 to 104 degrees, headache, and muscle aches. Some also develop a sore throat, abdominal pain or nausea. The fever usually lasts about 3 to 4 days and then disappears. In some children, the fever goes away after one day, only to return 2 to 3 days later, and last 2 to 4 more days. The sore throat, rash, and “ill” feeling may continue to last for 5 to 7 days after the fever goes away.  

How contagious is coxsackie virus? 

Children younger than 10-years-old are most likely to get coxsackie virus. A person with the illness is most contagious during the first week that they are sick. Children who are sick with coxsackie virus should be kept out of school or day care for 2 to 3 days to avoid spreading the illness. Infection with coxsackie virus takes 2 to 10 days to show up after a person is exposed to it. 

How is coxsackie virus passed from person-to-person? 

Coxsackie virus is passed through direct contact with contaminated body fluids such as mucus from the nose, saliva, and stool. It is very important to make sure everyone in the household is washing their hands frequently to prevent spreading the infection. 

Can a person catch coxsackie/hand-foot-and mouth disease more than once? 

Yes, because there are different strains of the virus, a person can get the illness more than once. 

What is the treatment for coxsackie virus? 

There is no treatment that makes coxsackie virus go away more quickly. The main treatment is aimed at making the child more comfortable. Your doctor may recommend that you use fever reducers such as Motrin or Tylenol to keep the child’s temperature down. Your child may also have a very sore throat. Cool liquids that are low in acid such as water, apple juice, and Pedialyte popsicles usually feel better going down. Your doctor may also recommend that you use Magic Mouthwash (see recipe below) to coat and soothe your child’s throat. 

What are the main risks with coxsackie virus infection?  

The most important thing is to make sure that your child is drinking enough fluids. Children can become dehydrated with coxsackie virus if they don’t drink enough fluids. Your child should be urinating at least 3 times a day and his mouth and lips should not look dry. Talk to your doctor if you think your child might be getting dehydrated or if your child is refusing liquids. <

Rarely a child may develop meningitis, an infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Speak with your doctor if your child complains of severe headache and neck pain, if your infant is crying excessively, or if you notice changes in behavior such as being much sleepier or more irritable than usual. 

What is the recipe for Magic Mouthwash?  

Mix 3 teaspoons Children’s Benadryl Allergy with 3 teaspoons Maalox.

Dab this mixture onto the sores in the child’s mouth 4 to 6 times per day.

Older children can swish this solution in their mouth and then spit it out 4 to 6 times per day.

There is also a type of Magic Mouthwash with a numbing medication which requires a prescription from your doctor.