Coxsackie virus belongs to the family of Picornaviridae (Picornavirus) and enterovirus genus. They have small RNA virus in them and it was first invented at the town called Coxsackie in New York. There are two types of Coxsackie viruses namely type A and B. The first type causes muscle injury with paralysis and rarely death. It begins as the blisters in the throat, mouth and hands and causes inflammation with pain on the affected area. The second type of B virus causes damage to internal organs but they are less severe. This type of virus affects the lungs, abdomen and would last for maximum 12 days to get resolved. It is known to cause pleurodynia that affects the above organs.The common symptoms of Coxsackie virus are fever, Sore Throat, fatigue and loss of appetite. It would be only for two or three days. Then it appears as sores and blisters on the mouth, throat and hands. Many of them would get rashes on the feet and hands and the symptoms would last for 10-12 days. This infection is contagious. The main cause for getting infected with this virus is getting into contact with fecal contamination. Many a times, it spreads through the diaper changing places and toys of children on which some fecal particles are left. It also spreads by droplets of saliva expelled by infected persons. Infectious virus is present in feces, saliva and fluids of nasal secretions.Treatment can be given for the symptoms and not for the disease itself. Taking antiviral medicines could control the symptoms of rashes and blisters. Tylenol is given for reducing fever and other discomforts of this disease. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Wash the mouth with lukewarm salt water to prevent sores. What is Coxsackie Virus ?Coxsackie virus infection is also known as Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) that occurs largely in children and sometimes in adults. This infection causes symptoms like fever, fatigue, skin rash and blisters on the body. Red pus filled lesions can be seen on the palms (hand) and soles (feet) and often in the mouth. It is caused by virus family of enteroviruses. Your doctor can diagnose the infection by physically examining the blisters in parts of the body but lab test is also available. No vaccine has been developed for Coxsackie virus infection. This infection spreads easily by saliva and exchange of fluids and one should take enough steps to prevent it. Since the virus was first discovered in a small town of Coxsackie in New York it is named as Coxsackie virus infection.Coxsackie Virus Types :Two major types of this infection can be recognized. One is Coxsackie virus A and the other is Coxsackie virus B.
- CVA Type :
- CVB Type :
- By Saliva
- By Feces
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Persistent cough
- Tiredness
- Breathing difficulty
- Painful sores in the mouth
- Rash
- Itching on the palms and soles because of blisters
- Red painful pus filled blisters are seen developing in the hand, foot and mouth of children
- They are under the risk of transmitting the infection to the growing fetus which can develop serious problems like inflammation of eyes.
- Red painful pus filled blisters are seen developing in the hand, foot and mouth of children.
- Anyone can develop Coxsackie virus but children are more prone than adults.
- Children who are not following good hygiene are at high risk of getting infected.
- Children left with day care centers have increased risk.
- Children should be instructed to wash their hands properly before eating and after using the toilet.
- Parents should not send the infected child to school or day care center to prevent spreading of infection to many others.
- Children should not be sent to school until the infection is completely cured since they can still be contagious.
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