THE Coxsackie virus It is a common cause of infections, especially in young children. It belongs to the family of enteroviruses and is divided into two groups, A and B, each of which includes different serotypes.
Infections from these viruses such as coxsackie (coxle) are usually mild and self -limiting but in some cases they may be more serious, especially in vulnerable groups.
Who are most affected
“Coxsackie virus infections usually occur in infants and children under 10 years. Therefore, it is often described as a “kindergarten disease” or “school”. OR Journal’s incubation period lasts 3-6 days And it is easily transmitted, making it the right healthy necessary, “says Sofia Papanikolaou, curator of a pediatrician at the Metropolitan Hospital and continues with modes of transmission, symptoms, prevention and treatment of the virus:
How is it transmitted
Coxsackie virus transmission is mainly done through:
- Dop
- Of droplets from coughing, sneezing or laughter
- Of infected objects
- Of contact with skin lesions
In addition, it can be transmitted aby the mother to the fetus or the newborn, where the infection can prove to be serious.
Symptoms and clinical picture
Coxsackie virus infections have a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe.
- Mild cases: Fever, rash, pharyngalgia or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Respiratory infections: Common colds, bronchiolitis or bronchopulmony.
- Hand-Foot-Standing Disease: Bubble lesions in the mouth, hands and feet, accompanied by fever.
- Sides: Sudden pain in the chest with fever.
- Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis: Redness, pain and tear.
Rarely, Coxsackie virus can cause serious complications, such as myocarditis, pericarditis, aseptic meningitis or encephalitis.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis is mainly based on the clinical picture. Laboratory tests are rarely required, especially in more severe cases. The treatment is supportive and includes:
- Antipyretic and analgesics
- Sufficient hydration
- Soft and cool foods to relieve pain in the oral pain
The disease usually recedes in 2-10 days, with full recovery of the patient.
When to seek medical help
It is important to contact a doctor if the child presents:
- Inability to obtain liquids or food
- Perseverance or deterioration of symptoms
- Intense headache, lethargy or difficulty breathing
Preventive measures
Compliance with basic hygiene rules is the key to preventing transmission:
- Scholastic hand washing before eating and after using toilet
- Oral and nose coverage during sneezing or coughing
- Regular ventilation
- Removal of the child from school activities until the symptoms retreat
Chances
A previous infection offers immunity only to the specific serotype of the virus, so it is possible to infection by a different strain in the future. Information and prevention remain the strongest weapons for maintaining children’s health.
‘In summary, Coxsackie virus infection is common in children and especially in infancy, usually sharing gentle and without complications, but can sometimes be more severe and lead the child to the hospital, ”concludes Ms. Papanikolaou.