Coxsackie Virus: How Does It Affect Adults And Children And How To Protect Yourself From It?

Coxsackie virus, also known as coxsackievirus, is present on all continents and can affect children and adults alike. Its name comes from New York City, where it was isolated and investigated for the first time.

In countries with a tropical climate, the virus can appear at any time of year. In countries with the four well-differentiated seasons, the virus is more likely to appear in summer and autumn.

Next, we’ll talk a little more about this virus and the steps you can take to protect yourself from it.

What is Coxsackie Virus?

Coxsackievirus is also known as hand-foot-mouth disease, as its main symptoms are located in the patient’s extremities and throat.

Coxsackie virus belongs to the enterovirus genus, which affects humans and causes various diseases, such as polio or hepatitis A, among others.

Although older patients with coxsackievirus have also been found, it mainly affects children under 12 years of age.

There are two types of coxsackie virus, type A virus and type B virus, although their symptoms are much the same.

What are the main symptoms of Coxsackie virus?

Many of the children infected with this virus have no symptoms whatsoever. Among the general signs that may be related to it, we find:

• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Abdominal pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fever above 38°C.
• Pain and irritation in the throat.

In addition, there are other symptoms that belong entirely to coxsackievirus, such as:

• Formation of small blisters on the feet and hands that are usually very sensitive to touch.
• Blister formation in the throat, palate and inside the cheeks, accompanied by redness around.
• Irritation of the sclera (white membrane covering the eye), which produces photosensitivity and inflammation.

How is the Coxsackie virus contracted?

As a virus, we can find it in any environment, and it can be contracted through the airways. However, there are other ways to get the virus, such as:

• Touching our mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth) after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.

• Have direct contact with the mucous membranes of an infected patient.
• Coming into direct contact with the feces of an infected patient.
• Have direct contact with the fluids that come out of the patient’s blisters.

This virus can remain active for up to 3 days on surfaces where it is found. A child is likely to be more likely to contract the virus in a day care center or school.

Also, the incubation period of the virus in the body can be 3 to 7 days, so we won’t know if the virus is present until then.

Treatment to fight coxsackievirus symptoms

There is no specific treatment for hand-foot-mouth disease, as it is the body itself that fights and eradicates the virus.

Although all symptoms disappear after about 7 days, there are some medications and home remedies to reduce their incidence.

Medicines

Drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be found at any pharmacy and are over-the-counter. However, it is vitally important that a physician diagnoses and determines the appropriate treatment and dosage.

Home Remedies for the Relief of Some Symptoms

As long as the physician considers it valid, the following guidelines can be used to relieve some symptoms:

• To help reduce fever, warm compresses can be used on the head, hands and feet.

• Chamomile baths can help reduce hives and blisters on the skin.
• Drinking plenty of fluids will help your body stay hydrated and fight the virus better.

How to prevent Coxsackie virus?

It is very important to avoid contact with infected people, wash your hands properly and, in the case of babies, change diapers taking all possible hygiene measures. The person diagnosed with this virus must be responsible for not infecting others.

The best way to reduce the risk of contracting the Coxsackie virus is to teach children basic hygiene rules and apply them ourselves too.