2. Symptom Spotlight: Not Just Hands, Feet, and Mouth
The primary symptoms of HFMD are evident: sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet. However, these aren’t the only indicators of this ailment. Early signs might resemble the flu, with patients experiencing fever, sore throat, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Rashes, which are typically red spots, can also appear on the knees, elbows, and buttocks. They may blister but aren’t itchy. It’s worth noting that not every individual will display all these symptoms; some might have a mild fever and nothing else.
One distinctive feature is painful mouth ulcers. These sores typically start as small red spots that blister and might become ulcerous. Eating and drinking can become a challenge due to the pain they inflict.
Loss of appetite and irritability, especially in children, can be observed. This is understandable, considering the discomfort the symptoms can cause. The disease runs its course in 7-10 days, and thankfully, those affected typically make a full recovery. (2)
