Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, often thought of as a childhood illness, can also affect adults. The illness is caused by a virus from the enterovirus family and can lead to painful symptoms like throat discomfort, rashes on hands and feet, and fever. While typically mild and self-limiting, the disease can be more severe in some cases.
Little Clementine Bouchard and her mother from Quebec recently experienced the discomfort of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Although more common in children due to social contact habits, adults can also get infected. The virus spreads through close contact and poor hygiene practices, making hand washing crucial to prevention.
Doctors recommend staying home during the contagious phase, characterized by febrile illness and new lesions. The virus tends to thrive in the summer and fall, with different strains circulating each year. Diagnosis is often clinical, and treatment focuses on symptom relief and hydration to prevent complications.
Despite the lack of specific antiviral treatment, most cases resolve on their own with proper care. For those affected, staying hydrated and managing symptoms are key. While the disease can be uncomfortable, it usually passes without serious complications.
Keyphrase: hand foot mouth disease
