With the arrival of the summer months, interest in playgrounds and pools increased. Stating that this situation causes hygiene problems and paves the way for infectious diseases, experts warned parents: “Parents are relieved that the virus season is over, but unfortunately the risk continues.”
Hot days came with June; demand for playgrounds and indoor/outdoor pools has increased. In this direction, experts drew attention to the fact that bacteria reproduce more in hot and humid environments and warned parents. Stating that there are hand, foot and mouth diseases that can meet from parks and pools, Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Koray Hacıoğlu stated that it is frequently seen in children under the age of 5 and is transmitted through droplets. About how this disease is transmitted from parks and pools, “The virus is found in the mouth and throat secretions of people with the disease, in the liquid in the skin rash and in the feces. The incubation period is 4 days and the virus continues to be excreted in the feces for an average of 2-4 weeks after infection, it can be transmitted through feces.”gave the information.
IT IS TRANSMITTED THROUGH DROP!
On the other hand, Specialist Dr. Koray Hacioglu, “It continues to be excreted in the faeces for 2-4 weeks. It may be contagious through feces. Swallowing pool water, toys, towels and sun loungers are the ways of transmission of the disease. Since it is a virus resistant to the external environment and highly contagious, hygiene rules should be paid attention to to prevent the epidemic. Especially “In the summer months, when children enter the pool in groups, the infection is easily transmitted to more people. With close contact within the family, the disease can spread rapidly among other family members.”said.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE?
“Hand, foot and mouth disease can sometimes show no symptoms or progress with mild symptoms. Although it is rare, it is possible for a patient who recovers to have the disease again with the re-infection of a different virus.”The specialist doctor listed the symptoms of this disease, which is transmitted from parks and pools, as follows:
- The disease begins with weakness, high fever and swelling in the lymph nodes.
- Later, aphtha-like lesions develop in the mouth, which quickly become painful ulcers.
- These lesions can spread to the entire mouth except the palate, tongue and gums.
- Chickenpox-like rashes also develop in many places, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
- The rash may also spread to the buttocks and legs.
- Lesions on the skin and inside the mouth are very painful.
“CAN BE MIXED WITH MEASURE”
Specialist Dr. Koray Hacioglu, “Trying to determine the type of virus with serum in severe conditions such as meningitis”saying the disease Illnesses with rash such as measles, chickenpox, 5th disease, 6th diseaseHe said it could be confused with
“NO CLEAR TREATMENT”
It is stated that this disease, which is often seen in summer, causes epidemics in spring and autumn. Hacioglu, “There is no clear treatment or vaccine for the highly contagious disease, so preventive measures should be taken. A pediatrician should be consulted without losing time in fever, weakness, recurrent vomiting, muscle weakness and involuntary muscle contractions that last longer than 38.5 degrees.”He stated that fast action should be taken.
HOW DOES THE DISEASE PROCESS?
In addition, the specialist doctor gave the following explanations about the disease process:
“The disease usually has a good prognosis and heals spontaneously within 7-10 days without treatment. In some children, lesions in the mouth may prevent feeding and cause hospitalization. There is no specific antibiotic or antiviral treatment. According to the dominant symptoms of the disease, antipyretic drugs, probiotics, oral care solutions and necessary medications are taken. In such cases, vitamin and mineral supplements can be started under the supervision of a physician.
HIGH DANGER TO LIFE!
Stating that the infection due to Enterovirus, especially seen in the Asian region, can be transported to our country, albeit rarely, Hacıoğlu said, “In hand, foot and mouth disease due to enterovirus, severe pictures such as meningitis and pneumonia can be seen. This type of disease is also life-threatening.”said.
WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO PROTECT FROM HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE?
The ways to prevent hand foot and mouth disease can be listed as follows:
- Especially keep sick children away from crowded environments such as pool, sea, kindergarten and park for 1 week.
- Prefer pools with high family water circulation and where periodic chemical and physical cleaning processes are not neglected. Make sure that the pools have the appropriate chlorine level and filtration system.
- Try not to swallow water in the pool and sea. Do not spit into the water. Encourage your child to pay attention to these as well.
- Sanitize your child’s hands after playing in the park. Take a shower when you get home.
