• Viral infection that may affect the entire body
• Symptoms may include mouth ulcers, sore throat, rash and small blisters on the skin
• Commonly spread by contact with contaminated feces or direct contact with infected saliva or lesions on the skin
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but most common in children less than 10 years of age
• May be mild to severe depending on the virus involved
• Complications may become life threatening in rare cases

GENERAL THERAPY

• Resolves in 7 to 14 days
• Contagious for the course of illness (7-10 days)
• Wash hands frequently
• Encourage cool fluids, small pieces of ice (not small enough to choke on!), pop sickles, and ice cream
• Get plenty of rest
• After meals, rinse mouth
• Have child rinse mouth with salt-water if able to do so without swallowing

Over-the-counter medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):

• Acetaminophen
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

DIET

• Avoid acidic or spicy foods
• Avoid salty foods

PRECAUTIONS AND AVOIDANCES

• Do not give Aspirin to anyone under 20 years of age
• Virus remains in stools for up to 2 months after out break
• Be cautious and use good hygiene for several months
• Avoid contact with others while infected
• Wear protective gloves when applying medicine to blisters
• Wipe all common areas with diluted bleach