The academic from the Faculty of Nursing of the Andrés Bello University Mónica Guajardo shares recommendations and advice for a disease that mainly affects fewer in kindergartens._
The mouth-hand-foot virus, caused by the Coxsackie A16 virus, is transmitted frequently and rapidly, mainly in kindergartens, since its forms of contagion have a lot to do with the life process of preschool children.
The academic from the Faculty of Nursing Mónica Guajardo establishes the main causes of contagion. “On the one hand, droplet transmission, in which infected children eliminate the virus by coughing, sneezing or talking, and oro-fecal transmission, which occurs when the feces of an infected child contaminate an object, such as toys, that Then they are manipulated and put in the mouths of other children,” explains the specialist.
According to Guajardo, once the virus incubates in the body, children can develop fever, blister-like skin lesions that evolve into wounds and scabs, generally in the mouth, hands and feet. In addition, he adds that “these lesions can also appear in the inguinal area and oral mucosa, which sometimes explains why infected children reject feeding due to intense pain. Some patients may also present changes in the consistency of their stools, becoming more watery.”
The treatment
Despite the speed of contagion, the virus has treatment that must be delivered by a doctor. “This mainly consists of keeping the child hydrated with cold liquids, controlling fever and administering medications to relieve pain and inflammation in the oral mucosa,” explains the academic.
The duration of the illness is usually 7 to 10 days with a good prognosis and in most cases it is adequately managed at home. In any case, it is necessary to go to an emergency service if the fever does not go down with treatment or if signs of dehydration occur.
Prevention in educational facilities
For academic Mónica Guajardo, prevention is essential to avoid the spread of the virus in areas such as kindergartens.
“The recommendations are frequent hygiene of toys and pencils, frequent hand washing in children and educators, hygiene when changing diapers, including hand washing before and after changing each child and disinfection of changing tables and avoiding touching the face after “Move a child to reduce exposure to the virus in the eyes, nose and mouth,” the teacher reinforces.
What about parents and caregivers?
In the case of parents or caregivers of minors, not all of them get the virus. “Adults can be asymptomatic carriers and spread the virus, and children who contract the disease build immunity, which reduces the chance of getting sick again. But in the case of reinfection, which is rare, it is generally due to another strain of the virus or a decrease in the immune system,” explains Guajardo.
What preventive measures can be taken in kindergartens to reduce the spread of Mouth-Hand-Foot Disease?
Interview with Dr. Mónica Guajardo, professor at the Faculty of Nursing of the Andrés Bello University, and Dr. Juan Pérez, infectious disease specialist at the San Martín de Porres Hospital, about the Mouth-Hand-Foot Disease virus and its impact on kindergartens.
Section 1: Understanding the Mouth-Hand-Foot Disease Virus
Can you tell us more about the Mouth-Hand-Foot Disease virus and how it spreads among children in kindergartens?
Dr. Mónica Guajardo: The Mouth-Hand-Foot Disease virus, also known as the Coxsackie A16 virus, is a highly contagious illness that predominantly affects younger children in group settings like kindergartens. The main modes of transmission are through direct contact with infected droplets expelled by an infected child during coughing, sneezing, or talking, and indirect contact with contaminated objects such as toys that have been handled by an infected child.
Dr. Juan Pérez: The virus is particularly prevalent in kindergartens because of the close contact children have with each other and the shared use of common objects like toys and utensils. It spreads quickly due to the penchant of young children for putting their hands and objects in their mouths after touching contaminated surfaces.
Section 2: Symptoms and Treatment of Mouth-Hand-Foot Disease
What are some common symptoms of Mouth-Hand-Foot Disease?
Dr. Mónica Guajardo: Typical symptoms of the disease include fever, painful blister-like skin lesions in the mouth, hands, and feet, as well as possible diarrhea and abdominal pain. These lesions can also appear in the inguinal area and on the oral mucosa, leading to discomfort during feeding. Treatment by a physician is essential and mainly consists of managing pain and fever, ensuring hydration, and providing comfort to the patient.
Dr. Juan Pérez: Is there any current research or advancements in treating the Mouth-Hand-Foot Disease virus?
Dr. Mónica Guajardo
