Coxsackie Virus in Children, New paltz and Highland: What Parents Need to Know
Coxsackie virus is a form of enterovirus that lives in the digestive tract. The virus can live on surfaces for several daysus and is typically spread when a person does not wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom. Although anyone can become infected, coxsackie virus is most often seen in young children.
Symptoms of Coxsackie Virus:
Most coxsackie infections are relatively mild and resolve on their own. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches. A common form of coxsackie, called hand, foot, and mouth disease, can cause painful, red blisters on the inside of the mouth, the soles of the feet, and the palms of the hands. Herpangina is a form of coxsackie infection that is characterized by ulcers and red-ringed blisters on the tonsils and the back portion of the roof of the mouth. The virus can also cause hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, which starts as eye pain followed by swollen, red, watery eyes along with blurred vision and light sensitivity.
Prevention and Treatment:
Coxsackie virus is extremely contagious, but it can usually be prevented with good hand hygiene and the regular disinfecting of toys and commonly used objects. Children should be kept out of school or daycare for several days until their fever resolves. Since coxsackie infections are viral, antibiotics are not effective in treating the illness. Treatments are primarily aimed at making the child more comfortable. For example, acetaminophen may be used to reduce fever and alleviate general aches and pains.
The majority of children recover from coxsackie virus in seven to 10 days. In rare cases, a child may develop meningitis as a result of the infection. You should seek immediate medical attention if your child has a persistent fever, headache, back pain, or a stiff neck.
FirstCare Walk-in Medical Center is dedicated to providing prompt, professional treatment for adult and pediatric illnesses and injuries in a state-of-the-art urgent care setting. We are open seven days a week with no appointment necessary. We also accept most insurance plans.