Hand, Foot, Mouth

Question 1

Common organism causing HFM

Answer 1

• Enteroviruses: mainly coxackie virus A16 (EV 71 less common)

Question 2

Epidemiology of HFM: when /where most common

Answer 2

• Mainly in <10yo or young adults

- Often in child care settings

Question 3

HFM spread by?

Answer 3

Touching infected bodily fluids e.g.:

contact w/ nasal discharge, saliva, blister fluid, stool.

Question 4

How long do HFM Sx last?

Answer 4

Symptoms can last for 7-10 days

Question 5

Clinical features of HFM

Answer 5

• high temperature (fever)
• sore throat
• Vesicles / ulcers on , posterior pharynx, palate, gingiva, and/or lips
• Maculopapular / vesicular lesions on hands, feet, buttocks
• poor appetite (drinking and eating can be painful because of the mouth blisters)
• Tiredness and irritability

NB - vesicles shouldn’t be itchy like chickenpox

Question 6

How is Dx made for HFM?

Answer 6

Usually clinical

Question 7

Prognosis for HFM

Answer 7

• Rarely causes complications, and rarely fatal (CNS disease e.g. meningitis/encephalitis)

Question 8

Mx for HFM

Answer 8

Reducing spread
• Wash hands regularly
• Don’t share household items e.g. cutlery, towels, clothes
• Stay home until all blisters are dry

Mx
• Not notifiable
• Reassurance: not life-threatening, no risk to pregnant women or unborn babies
• No specific treatment (virus - so no abx), vaccine or cure
○ Leave blisters to dry naturally - don’t pop them

• Instead, symptomatic relief:
○ Frequent sips of drinks - prevents dehydration
○ Pain relief for blisters