Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a mild yet contagious viral infection common in young children.
It’s understood that at least four children have been hospitalised in Galway city after showing symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease.
Characterised by painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet, the highly contagious disease makes those who contract it feel achy and unwell, while also causing mouth ulcers.
The first symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, sore throat and small red spots in the mouth, throat and skin which can become raised and may blister. The virus is spread by coughs or sneezes.
The condition is common in children under ten years of age, however the infection can also be contracted by adolescents and adults.
As it is a virus, treatment is usually not needed – but symptoms can often take up to ten days to pass. Should your symptoms not pass in that time, patients should be taken to a doctor. In extremely rare cases, either viral meningitis or encephalitis can be contracted due to complications.
Children affected should drink plenty of fluids and can take children’s paracetamol to both relieve pain and bring down a temperature. Due to its contagious nature, those infected should be kept at home until the virus passes.
Thoroughly washing hands, covering your nose and mouth upon sneezing or coughing and avoiding sharing cups, glasses, towels or cutlery reduces the chance of the infection spreading while the virus is live.
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