Hand foot and mouth

[Jude85]

Anyone been infected with hand foot and mouth ,

My youngest grandchild who is staying with me ,

Appears to be infected

[Blearyeyed]

Have you got someone else to take them to the GP and do the care for it if the child if it turns out to be HFaM?

Have they been with you for awhile before the symptoms came out?

It would be good if you can keep away from risking contagion. It can be quite severe in Adults , and lead to other infections in those with low immunity.

[Hidden]

Hi Jude, my eldest Son got this while travelling across the USA, he has eczema & it split all the creases in the joints on his hands.

We actually spirited him back into the UK for treatment from a our Dentist & GP - boatloads of Antibiotics, we flew him home even though he had full Medical Cover we were concerned he wouldn’t be covered for Dental so we thought a flight might be cheaper!

He was home for 10days & then flew back to LA & on to Auckland! But he was a very poorly boy, he couldn’t swallow & his skin was so, so sore.

It’s very infectious & they need their own towels etc & l kept his own cup/plate/bowl/cutlery & used baby sterilising tablets before putting in the dishwasher.

They need new toothbrushes so get a multipack but make sure they are soft, our Dentist gave him antiseptic mouthwash.

nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot...

provides a bit of information about preventing spread - the usual of course!

However, although it is unusual in adults, immunocompromised patients may develop it and it may then last longer than usual. There are recommendations in the medical literature about using acyclovir (an antiviral medication) in such patients.

I would ask my GP practice - and definitely if you show any symptoms.

[Jude85 in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou

Much appreciated

[Yellowbluebell]

My youngest daughter caught it from my grandson who she only saw once a week for a couple of hours. She didnt feel too bad but she is a fairly healthy 25 year old normally so you do need to be carefulYBB

[SheffieldJane]

Most adults have had this in childhood whether they know or not. When my grandson got it he wasn’t very poorly. However, my husband caught it and was really ill. Like many childhood illnesses they tend to hit adults harder. There is no real treatment just the usual flu actions, like rest, plenty of fluids Calpol. My concern is for you really. Especially with weakened immunity. If there is no choice but to have care of your youngest grandchild, I can only urge you to be as careful as you can. Lots of antiseptic handwash and no sloppy kisses. I didn’t catch it. My husband had the patterned rash and everything. He was quite a curiosity to my doctor son in law. As I said it is rare in adults.

[Jude85]

Hi , and thankyou to all ,

Hes been with me since christmas ,

Lots of contact ! Opps

Iam now suffering with sore tongue and inside of my mouth ! Is there an anti viral for this ?

Thankyou again,

[Blearyeyed in reply to Jude85]

Go to the GP or an Out if Hours / A and E straight away if you are already getting symptoms.

This could be very serious in people like ourselves. It's very contagious for a week before anything emerges , and unusually even after the rashes have cleared up people can continue to be contagious for about a month , so time away from others will be required .

Adults are more likely to catch other diseases with it as well like Strep and Meningitis , especially if immunosuppressed like ourselves.

Plus , you will want to cover up both you and your grandchild when you go for a diagnosis so that you don't possibly pass it on to others.

Take care and let us know how you get on.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jude85]

Acyclovir - like for shingles. Don't wait too long

[Jude85]

Sorry , I'd missed your answer to this ,

PMRpro

[Pongo13]

I work with kids - pRe Xmas 2018 some children had HFM and at the time I was on 10+'pred - my immune system was low - I got it badly. Lost all my nails on hand and feet. Wore gloves and carried on, doctor wasnt interested. Just add it to my list of PMR linked health happenings. Hope you don't get it! X

[HeronNS]

I have never heard of this before. 😲

I hope you are okay.

[Louisa1840]

HI Jude,

My grand daughter had Hand Foot and Mouth last year (I had never heard of ti!) Despite being, supposedly, "immune suppressed " by the prednisone neither my husband nor I got it.

Hope you don't either.....

[Hollyseden]

Like Louisa, my grandson also had HFM last year. I look after him 2/3 days a week but didn't catch it. His mum did take time off work when he was at his most miserable, but as we all know these things can be catching before symptoms even appear. Hope you are ok and get to doc soon.