Over the past couple weeks Centra Care physicians have seen an increase in Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Outbreaks typically occur in summer and fall. HFMD is caused by an infection with the Coxsackie virus.

In the past 2 weeks there have been 8 cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease at the Sanford location, Azalea Park had 3 diagnoses, Lee Road had 2, and the following centers each had one case: Winter Park and Hunter’s Creek.

LEARN MORE:

HFMD is a viral illness that is very contagious, especially to children under the age of 10 who generally haven't been exposed to the virus and developed immunity; however, adults can also get the virus. It is characterized by painful mouth ulcers and/or a skin rash, and is accompanied by fever, body aches, sore throat and fatigue.

Because there is no cure, the illness must run its course, about 7 – 10 days. The biggest risk of HFMD is dehydration in young children who won't drink due to throat pain. Symptoms can be treated with over the counter medications, such as Tylenol, for the pain, fever and aches. Parents need to be sure children are getting plenty of fluids.

What to Look For:

• The disease usually begins with a fever, poor appetite, malaise (feeling vaguely unwell), and often with a sore throat.
• One or 2 days after fever onset, painful sores usually develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. The sores are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
• A non-itchy skin rash develops over 1–2 days. The rash has flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters. The rash is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the buttocks and/or genitalia.
• A person with HFMD may have only the rash or only the mouth sores.

Source: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

According to the CDC, HFMD is often confused with foot-and-mouth (also called hoof-and-mouth) disease, a disease of cattle, sheep, and swine; however, the two diseases are not related—different viruses cause them. Humans do not get the animal disease, and animals do not get the human disease.

Typically once someone has had the HFMD they build up immunity, but since there are several forms of the virus it is possible to get it again, though generally there is enough immunity after having the infection.

Frequent hand washing is essential to avoid the illness, especially after changing diapers and after going to the bathroom. Also, avoid close contact with someone that has HFMD, such as kissing, hugging, and sharing utensils and drinks.

If you think you may have HFMD, it's still a good idea to seek medical care to confirm the disease. There are several illnesses that can look like HFMD: strep throat, scarlet fever, cold sores, mono - which are treatable.

If you need to see a doctor, Centra Care’s No Wait, Online Reservations allows you to secure a time at any of our locations that fits with your schedule. Now if you are sick or injured, you can schedule to see a doctor during your lunch break, after work, on the
weekend, or whenever is convenient for you. For more information visit: www.CentraCare.org 

Sincerely,


Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3