Hand, foot and mouth disease rise in the US: Doctors warn about symptoms, share prevention tips

Fall's arrival brings with it a complete change in the environment. While most can adapt to this, those with a weak immune system often fall prey to viral infections and diseases.This fall, multiple states in the US including Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee and Wisconsin have reported outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease.

A contagious viral infection, it commonly infects children under 5 but can also lead to symptoms in older kids and adults.“This year, [cases seem] to be out of control,” said Dr. Allison Agwu, a professor of adult and pediatric infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore to HuffPost.com. For instance, in Maryland, cases are "four to five times what they saw this time last year," she added.With the number of cases on the rise, it is vital to be aware of the symptoms of the infection and ways that you can prevent yourself and your children from catching it. Here's all you must know.

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?

Hand, foot and mouth is a virus within the family of enteroviruses, explained Dr. Jennifer Duchon, an associate professor in the divisions of pediatric infectious disease and newborn medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York to the website.

As the name suggests, the infection typically involves the hand, foot and mouth but sometimes can also include the genitals and buttocks, according to the National Library of Medicine.The infection is described as "super contagious" and spreads through various ways. It can spread through the respiratory droplets that go out in the air when someone coughs or sneezes, via the fluid in the blisters, or infected surfaces.It can also spread through stool, for instance, parents cleaning their children's diapers can contract the infection.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: Symptoms to know

The infection can have a range of symptoms. It can begin with symptoms similar to a cold such as a low-grade fever and a runny nose along with a reduced appetite.A common symptom is ulcers or blisters on the hands, feet, legs, arms and in the mouth, particularly in the back of the throat and tongue, according to NIH.After the rash is relieved, people can experience peeling skin in the hands and feet, as per Duchon.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: Prevention tips

Since it's a viral illness, there are no specific medications for the infection, "no antibiotics are going to get rid of it," said Agwu. If you or your child is sick with the infection, one of the first steps to take is to isolate . Keeping hydrated and eating nutrient-rich food is also important to keep the body strengthened, as per NIH.While the virus lasts for about a week in most people, those having severe symptoms can take 10-14 days to heal, said Dr Matthew Thomas, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s in West Virginia to the website.The key way to prevent getting infected is to maintain good and regular hygiene. Wash your hands if you are touching anything that could be infected, such as common surfaces and shared objects, suggested Agwu.In case you are visiting outdoors, using an alcohol-based sanitiser can be a good option as well, according to Thomas.And, follow the general rule of thumb for viruses, which is maintaining distance from those infected and wearing a mask to prevent infection.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.