Know All About Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Posted on: Aug 29, 2022 | | Written by:

Know All About Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Viral infections are always scary, even the common cold we tend to catch when monsoons hit. And depending on the virus, the infection can sometimes demand more than usual attention (we all know about the coronavirus). Right now, we have another worrying virus to deal with, the enteroviruses. This is responsible for the tomato flu, also known as Hand Foot Mouth Disease. The good thing is that it is covered by most of health insurance plansavailable from leading insurance companies in India. However, you must know all about this disease, so you can take the necessary precautions and avoid complications. Read on.

Tomato Flu

More commonly known as Hand Foot and Mouth Disease, this is mostly a children’s disease and has reached Indian shores as of May 2022. Cases have been found in Kerala where as many as 80 infected children have been identified. As of now, this is very common in children not just in India but in almost all countries where this disease has been found. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that while the illness does not tend to be very serious, it generally is very contagious and spreads very rapidly among children in schools and play groups or day care centres. This is because of increased physical contact among children who attend these places.

Symptoms of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

The infection often starts with a fever and flu-like symptoms. Generally, the first symptoms appear in 3 to 5 days after the infection. The affected person starts experiencing fever, and their consumption of food and liquids declines considerably. They also experience sore throat as well as a general feeling of being unwell.

If children get infected, they also develop mouth ulcers and sores which tend to be painful. These can start as small red sores, generally on the tongue or inside the mouth. These blisters or red sores have given the disease its name, tomato flu. Once infected, children tend to lose appetite and only prefer cold fluids as they help with the pain. In very young children, drooling might also increase. Skin rashes can also develop on palms of hands and/or soles of feet. These may not itch but are usually raised and may be filled with fluids too.

Prevention Tips for Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Since the infection spreads mainly because of touch or close contact, the best way to prevent an infection is to ensure that everyone follows good hygiene practices all the time. Ensure that everyone washes their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently.

For caregivers, this needs to be done after going to the toilet, after changing diapers as well as after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. It is also recommended that all surfaces which are frequently touched or any items which are shared, like toys or doorknobs, be cleaned frequently.

You should teach children to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. As far as possible, they should avoid any contact with any sick person.Maintaining hygiene and isolating affected people are the most effective ways to prevent tomato flu.

What to Do If Infection is Detected?

As of now, there is no known vaccine for this disease. If a child shows some symptoms, they should be isolated and admitted to a hospital for proper medical care. Quick identification and resolute isolation are the only ways to ensure that the infection does not spread.

If you find that your child has been infected, you should bathe them in cold water. A lotion is also recommended for people who develop skin rashes due to this disease. This lotion can comfort the skin irritation.

Resist the urge to scratch blisters and teach your child to do the same. Anyone affected, be it an adult or child, should drink a lot of fluids. The best approach is to only drink water that has been boiled and then allowed to cool down. Avoid eating or serving spicy foods or food with too much salt. Any medicines recommended by the doctor should be taken diligently along with full rest.

Conclusion

Whether it is the tomato flu, coronavirus, or any other disease, it is important to be prepared for various medical emergencies. This means, having health insurance plans is essential, to cover the cost of quality healthcare in case you or a loved one require hospitalisation. And of course, taking precautions, maintaining hygiene and knowing all about infections like tomato flu can help you live more safely.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Is health insurance a part of your tax saving plan? If not, think again!

Here’s How Optima Secure Health Insurance Plan Offers 4X Cover with No Additional Cost

Beat Rising Medical Inflation with 1 Crore Health Insurance Plan for Your Family