home Analyzes How to treat coxsackie in adults. Coxsackievirus - symptoms in children, treatment and prevention. Intestinal form of infection

How to treat coxsackie in adults. Coxsackievirus - symptoms in children, treatment and prevention. Intestinal form of infection

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Which doctor should I contact if I have Coxsackie virus?

If the Coxsackie virus provoked an infection like a minor illness (summer flu), when the body temperature rises sharply, the lymph nodes enlarge, headache, weakness, lethargy, muscle aches, loss of appetite, redness of the pharynx and palatine arches, redness of the eyes appear, then need to contact general practitioner (make an appointment) or pediatrician (make an appointment).

If the Coxsackie virus provoked the development of herpangina (the arches, tonsils and uvula are red, there are whitish papules on the palate, tonsils and arches, which after 2-3 days turn into blisters that burst and leave ulcers, while there is a high temperature, weakness, body aches , headache and other symptoms of intoxication), then you should contact otolaryngologist (make an appointment) or a therapist (in the case of children, a pediatrician).

If the Coxsackie virus provoked an infection of the “hand-foot-mouth” type, when the body temperature first rises, and then, against the background of its fall, red viral rashes appear on the skin (such rashes are most often localized around the mouth, on the palms and soles, but may be on the body, under the hair, on the buttocks), then it is advisable to contact infectious disease doctor (make an appointment), but you can also go to see a therapist or pediatrician.

If the Coxsackie virus occurs as a type of Bornholm disease, when a person has paroxysmal very severe pain in the muscles (often there is pain in the intercostal muscles, causing shortness of breath, and pain in the upper abdomen, similar to appendicitis, peritonitis, etc.), which disappear within 3–4 days, you should definitely consult an infectious disease specialist. This is due to the fact that after the disappearance of muscle pain, in most cases meningitis develops, which is a continuation of the course of the disease. Actually, to prevent the development of meningitis or to treat it as effectively as possible at the very beginning of the development of the disease, it is necessary to contact an infectious disease specialist with hospitalization in the infectious diseases department.

If the Coxsackie virus causes meningitis or encephalitis (high body temperature, vomiting, severe headaches, stiff neck - when it is impossible to reach the chest with your chin), then you should urgently call an ambulance and be hospitalized in the infectious diseases department. If it is impossible to call an ambulance for any reason, you should get to the nearest infectious diseases department as soon as possible using your own transport.

If the Coxsackie virus causes an infection similar to polio (flaccid paralysis of the lower extremities, pain in the legs and arms, decreased muscle tone, bouts of muscle tremors, stool and urination disorders), then you should consult an infectious disease doctor. If for some reason this is absent, you should contact a pediatrician or therapist.

If the Coxsackie virus provokes mesadenitis (high body temperature, attacks of acute abdominal pain, constipation, enlarged cervical, inguinal, axillary lymph nodes), then you should contact surgeon ().

If the Coxsackie virus causes symptoms of an intestinal infection (low body temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin and inflammation in the upper respiratory tract - runny nose, pain and redness in the throat, cough), then you should consult an infectious disease doctor.

If the Coxsackie virus provokes pericarditis or myocarditis (prolonged fever, pain in the heart, arrhythmia, shortness of breath, fainting, cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle), then you should be hospitalized in a hospital for observation cardiologist () or a therapist.

If the Coxsackie virus provokes catarrh of the upper respiratory tract (high body temperature, runny nose, pain and redness of the throat, cough, hoarse voice, etc.), then you should consult a general practitioner, or a pediatrician in the case of a child.

If the Coxsackie virus provokes hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (redness and pain in the eyes, swollen eyelids, lacrimation, photosensitivity), then you should contact ophthalmologist () so that he can prescribe treatment and prevent possible complications.

If the Coxsackie virus occurs in the form of orchitis or epididymitis (high fever, pain in the testicles, enlargement of one or both testicles, enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes), then you should consult an infectious disease specialist or urologist ().

Diagnosis of Coxsackie virus. What tests can the doctor prescribe?

With typical manifestations enteroviral infections The diagnosis can be determined on the basis of characteristic symptoms: herpetic sore throat, exanthema, hand-foot-mouth syndrome, fever. In this case, specific virological studies are often not required. But since coxsackie virus often proceeds atypically, then enterovirus infection can be proven only with the help of special laboratory tests.

To identify enterovirus, two types of laboratory diagnostics are used:

1. PCR diagnostics – identifying the virus in the patient’s biological fluids (feces, mucus washouts from the nasopharynx, urine, etc.).
2. Serological research methods - detection of specific antibodies (immunoglobulins) to the virus in the blood.

In addition, the patient will need to undergo additional examination:

general blood analysis;
general urine analysis;
cerebrospinal fluid analysis (if symptoms of meningitis are present);
other types of studies prescribed depending on the damage to a particular organ ( radiography (sign up), MRI of the brain (sign up), ECG (sign up) And so on).

General blood and urine analysis

In a general blood test with Coxsackie virus, changes typical of many viral infections are observed (moderate increase in leukocytes due to lymphocytes, acceleration of ESR). In severe cases, a decrease in the level of lymphocytes (lymphopenia) is possible.

Blood test for antibodies to Coxsackie viruses

With enterovirus infections, from the first days of the disease, the human immune system reacts with the formation of specific antibodies, or immunoglobulins. They are identified by serological blood tests.

Coxsackie virus markers:

Class M immunoglobulins (IgM) to Coxsackie viruses – antibodies of the acute period of the disease;
Immunoglobulins G (IgG) to Coxsackie viruses are antibodies of the disease.

We can say that a person is suffering from the Coxsackie virus when class M immunoglobulins are detected and their titers are several times higher than normal (reference) values.

This method cannot determine the serotype of the virus. The accuracy of such diagnostics is more than 90%.

Treatment of Coxsackie virus

In most cases, diseases associated with the Coxsackie virus do not require hospitalization, but there are cases when hospital treatment cannot be avoided.

When is it necessary to urgently call a doctor?

The child is not yet one year old and has a high body temperature;
Fever for more than 3 days, the temperature is difficult to control with antipyretic drugs;
The child has not eaten or drunk for more than 24 hours;
Loss or confusion of consciousness, delirium;
Severe weakness, constant drowsiness;
Signs of meningitis appeared (severe headaches, vomiting, convulsions, and others);
“Unreasonable” bruises appeared on the skin;
Repeated vomiting and diarrhea (more than 6 times a day), causing the child to become lethargic;
The child does not urinate for more than 12 hours;
Severe abdominal pain, in young children this symptom is characterized by constant strong crying and pulling the legs towards the stomach;
Paroxysmal dry cough, shortness of breath;
The appearance of cyanosis (blueness of the skin of the face and limbs);
Suspicion of paralysis of the muscles of the limbs.

If the child does not have similar symptoms indicating a severe or complicated course of enterovirus infection, then the child can stay at home and follow the doctor’s recommendations, but he will have to be contacted in any case.

How to treat Coxsackie virus at home?

1. Required bed rest until body temperature and general well-being normalize.

2. Drink plenty of fluids– a prerequisite for the treatment of enteroviral viral infections. The child should drink often and a lot, it can be anything - water, tea, fruit drink or compote.

Acyclovir for Coxsackie virus

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used for herpes infections. The Coxsackie virus has nothing to do with herpes viruses, therefore acyclovir is not used for enteroviral infections and is absolutely ineffective.

Consequences and complications of enteroviral infections

Any infectious pathology has a risk of developing complications. Since the Coxsackie virus has many faces, complications can be very diverse. It all depends on which organs are affected by the virus.

The most dangerous complication of the Coxsackie virus is cerebral edema, which always threatens the patient’s life and requires resuscitation measures.

Possible complications and consequences of the Coxsackie virus:
1. Brain swelling.
2. The addition of bacterial infections: sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, purulent conjunctivitis, purulent meningitis, etc.

How dangerous is the Coxsackie virus for a woman during pregnancy?

Possible development of a severe course of enterovirus infection with damage to the nervous system, heart and other organs;
high risk of developing life-threatening complications of the disease;
miscarriage (miscarriage), premature birth.

Pregnant women in most cases tolerate Coxsackie viruses favorably, but the risk of developing negative consequences is much higher than without pregnancy.

How dangerous is the Coxsackie virus for the fetus?

Intrauterine infection of the fetus;
development of abnormalities in the development of the child’s central nervous system (anencephaly - absence of cerebral hemispheres, hydrocephalus - dropsy of the brain, and other severe pathologies);
intrauterine growth retardation and fading of pregnancy;
intrauterine fetal death.

This does not mean that if a pregnant woman has suffered an enterovirus infection, the child will be born sick or die. But such risks still exist, since group B Coxsackie viruses are able to penetrate the placenta and infect the fetus.

How dangerous is enterovirus infection for a newborn baby?

Group B Coxsackievirus is most dangerous not during pregnancy, but during and immediately after childbirth. In newly born children, the risk of infection with the Coxsackie virus is very high. Encephalomyocarditis of newborns may develop, in which there is a high mortality rate (about 40% of cases) and a high risk of developing severe neurological pathologies.

Interesting that if a newborn child is not infected immediately after birth, but after some time, and is breastfed, then the risk of infection is practically absent. This is due to the mother's antibodies, which she passes on in her milk.

In which trimester of pregnancy is the Coxsackie virus most dangerous?

Enteroviral infections are undesirable throughout pregnancy. In the early stages, there is a risk of miscarriages and fetal development abnormalities, since all organs and tissues of the fetus are just being laid and formed. But in the later stages, the risk of developing enteroviral infections in a newborn increases, which also has negative consequences for the health and life of the child.

What to do if a pregnant woman is infected with the Coxsackie virus?

Firstly, do not panic; in most cases, enterovirus infection does not become a tragedy for the expectant mother and child. Often it occurs as ARVI, herpetic sore throat or exanthema. Such women are usually hospitalized in a hospital and the condition of the patient and her baby is monitored. Treatment usually includes Paracetamol and detoxification therapy (enterosorbents, infusion solutions in the form of droppers, vitamins, etc.). You will have to regularly take stool tests to determine if you are carrying the virus, blood tests to monitor the production of antibodies, and monitor an ultrasound of the fetus.

How contagious is a patient with Coxsackie virus? Quarantine for enterovirus infections

Virus shedding begins 1-2 days before the onset of the disease, and the “peak infectivity” occurs on the 2-3rd day of the disease. After recovery, the patient is an excretor of enteroviruses for several more weeks, in rare cases – several months and even years. During illness, all biological fluids are contagious, but longer-term shedding of the virus is observed in feces.

If a child who attends a kindergarten or school falls ill, the child must be isolated for the period of the entire illness, and allowed into the children's group only after a complete recovery, normalization of body temperature and clearing of the skin from rashes, but not earlier than 14 days. For serous meningitis, children are isolated for 21 days.

Quarantine in a children's group is usually declared for 14 days, which is how long the incubation period can last. If new patients are identified during this time, the quarantine is extended for another 14 days.

After identifying a patient with enterovirus infection, final disinfection is required in children's institutions, and sanitary and epidemiological services are usually involved in this.

Quarantine is also imposed on maternity and children's departments where sick children, parents or medical personnel have been identified.

Immunity after the Coxsackie virus

After an enterovirus infection, the human body produces specific antibodies to the virus that protect against re-infection. That is, strong immunity is developed. But such antibodies are effective only against those serotypes of the virus that a person has had. Let us recall that there are 29 serotypes of the Coxsackie virus and 32 serotypes of ECHO. Therefore, repeated enterovirus infections caused by “new” serotypes of the virus are possible.

Prevention of enterovirus infection

A vaccine against Coxsackie viruses (specific prevention) does not currently exist, this is due to the large number of serotypes and variability of the virus.

What to do if a child gets sick with the Coxsackie virus?

It is advisable to isolate the patient from other children in a separate room;
carefully monitor the cleanliness of the hands of all family members;
regularly carry out wet cleaning, disinfection of pots and restrooms, wipe door handles, ventilate rooms;
For disinfection, disinfectants containing active chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and 0.3% formaldehyde solution are used;
Quartz lamps are effective, but people should not be allowed to stay in the room where quartz treatment is taking place, and after the procedure, careful ventilation is necessary;
allocate separate dishes for the patient, they must be processed;
toys, towels and various “common use” items will have to be processed;
for contact children, it is recommended to administer gamma globulin, which will enhance protection against the Coxsackie virus and its severe manifestations; also for children with weakened immune systems, the use of interferon drugs and immunostimulants is recommended;
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Coxsackie virus - description, incubation period, symptoms and signs of enterovirus infection in children and adults, photos. How can a child become infected with the Coxsackie virus?

Coxsackievirus in children is a virus of the enterovirus genus from the picornavirus family, contains single-stranded RNA that encodes a polyprotein, and is one of the main causes of the development of aseptic meningitis. The human gastrointestinal tract is a favorable environment for the virus to multiply, but through the bloodstream the infectious agent penetrates into other organs and tissues, causing inflammation in them. There are 30 known serological types of Coxsackie virus, all of them are divided into two groups that have a common complement-fixing antigen, as well as differences in type-specific antigens involved in the neutralization reaction.

Skin rash due to Coxsackie virus in children

Most often, diseases caused by the Coxsackie virus are recorded in children under ten years of age; older children usually suffer from a mild form of the viral infection. Children under 3 months of age are not infected with this virus, which is due to the fact that maternal antibodies circulate in the child’s blood during this period, protecting against viral infection.

After an illness, the patient develops intense type-specific immunity. Virus-neutralizing antibodies in the blood of a person who has recovered from the Coxsackie virus are present for several years; complement-fixing antibodies usually disappear several months after the illness.

Diseases that occur when a child is infected with the Coxsackie virus are most often mild and do not have any serious complications.

Causes and risk factors

The source of infection is a sick person or a virus carrier. The Coxsackie virus enters the external environment through airborne droplets, as well as through the feces of an infected person. It is quite stable and can be stored in the external environment for two and a half years; it is destroyed by drying, boiling, and exposure to disinfectants. Most often (up to 97% of cases) infection occurs through contaminated food, water, household items, and less often - in reservoirs and swimming pools. Its carriers can be insects (flies, cockroaches). The fecal-oral route is predominant in children of the first years of life. The virus can also be transmitted through the placenta from an infected mother to the fetus during fetal development. The peak incidence of infection caused by the Coxsackie virus occurs in the summer-autumn period.

Forms of the disease

There are two main groups:

Coxsackievirus type A (group A)– consists of 24 serotypes, causes the development of a pathological process in the mucous membranes of the oral cavity (erosive vesicular stomatitis), upper respiratory tract (herpangina), conjunctiva (acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis), dura mater (aseptic meningitis), but most often manifests itself only as a rash on skin. The disease it causes usually proceeds without complications, in some cases the infection is asymptomatic (virus carriage).
Coxsackievirus type B (group B)– includes 6 serological types and usually affects the heart (myocarditis, pericarditis), pleura (pleurodynia, or Bronholm’s disease), and liver (hepatitis).

Both groups are characterized by multiorgan tropism. Determining which group the causative agent of a particular disease belongs to is possible only in a laboratory way.

An infectious disease caused by the Coxsackie virus can take a typical or atypical form. Typical forms include:

isolated lesions (enteroviral tonsillitis, hepatitis, myalgia, gastroenteritis);
damage to the nervous system (meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis);
lesions of the urogenital tract (epididymitis, cystitis);
eye lesions (conjunctivitis);
heart damage (myocarditis, pericarditis).

Atypical forms are characterized by an erased course.

The consequences of the Coxsackie virus in a child, especially in the first year of life, include sore throat, as well as inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), which usually occurs in newborns.

Depending on the severity of the disease, the disease can have a mild, moderate and severe form, as well as be complicated and uncomplicated.

Symptoms of the disease caused by the Coxsackie virus in children

The incubation period for infection with the Coxsackie virus lasts from several days to one and a half weeks. The first clinical manifestations of the disease are usually an increase in body temperature to 39-40 ° C, repeated vomiting and/or diarrhea. Patients experience headache, increasing weakness, decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, sore throat, cough, and sometimes heart rhythm disturbances. As the pathological process progresses, the patient experiences hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and/or pharynx, a yellowish coating on the tongue, and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. If the mucous membrane of the pharynx is damaged, eating is difficult. In some cases, an increase in the size of the liver and spleen is observed. These symptoms of the Coxsackie virus in children precede the appearance of rashes on the skin of the upper and lower extremities (including the soles of the feet and palms), chest and face. The rash may spread to the genital area. The rash elements have a diameter of 1-2 mm, are filled with serous contents and are surrounded by a hyperemic halo; they can open with subsequent formation of ulcerations. The occurrence of rashes may be accompanied by itching and a feeling of discomfort in the affected areas. Late symptoms of the Coxsackie virus in children include a change in nail plates.

The described manifestations can be both pronounced and slightly expressed. They usually last 1-2 weeks and then fade away.

If aseptic meningitis develops, the child develops meningeal symptoms: severe headache, photophobia, increased sensitivity to sounds, persistent nausea and vomiting, stiff neck muscles, positive Kernig and Brudzinski symptoms. Body temperature rises to feverish values (38 °C and above).

With the development of pleurodynia, compaction is observed in the area of the intercostal muscles, which is accompanied by pain, as well as headache and fever.

In some cases, when a child is infected with the Coxsackie virus, paralysis develops, which can occur both at the peak of the temperature and when acute symptoms subside. Manifestations range from weakness in the upper and lower extremities to gait disturbances. Persistent severe paralysis is not caused by the Coxsackie virus.

When pericarditis or myocarditis develops in children, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle, swelling of the lower extremities, and deterioration in general condition appear.

Herpetic sore throat, provoked by the Coxsackie virus, is typical for children 3-10 years old. The main signs of the disease are intense sore throat, aggravated by swallowing, the appearance of ulcerations on the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx, a significant increase in body temperature, headache and a decrease in general well-being. Because of a sore throat, children usually refuse to eat.

Pleurodynia is characterized by sudden intense pain of a spastic nature in the chest and upper abdomen.

Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is manifested by swelling and severe pain in the eyes (the child often refuses to open his eyes, cries when trying to open his eyes), a sensation of a foreign body in the eyes, hemorrhage in the sclera and conjunctiva, lacrimation and photophobia.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the Coxsackie virus in children is based, first of all, on data obtained from collecting the patient’s history and complaints, an objective examination of the patient, and the epidemic situation. The causative agent is identified as a result of a series of laboratory tests.

Children under 3 months of age are not infected with the Coxsackie virus, which is due to the fact that maternal antibodies circulate in the child’s blood during this period, protecting against viral infection.

In order to isolate the pathogen, the patient's blood, pathological discharge from the nasopharynx, feces, and cerebrospinal fluid (with the development of meningitis) are examined using the polymerase chain reaction, complement fixation reaction, enzyme immunoassay, and hemagglutination inhibition reaction.

Depending on the form of the lesion, consultation with an ophthalmologist, otorhinolaryngologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, neurologist, or rheumatologist may be necessary.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with acute respiratory viral infections, intestinal and skin infections of other etiologies, childhood diseases characterized by skin rashes (measles, scarlet fever, rubella), scabies, streptoderma, etc.

Treatment of diseases caused by the Coxsackie virus in children

If a child develops symptoms that are characteristic of a viral infection, especially in a complicated epidemic situation in the region, in order to prevent further spread of the virus, you should call a doctor at home rather than bring the child to a medical facility. In a standard uncomplicated course, treatment of the Coxsackie virus in children is carried out at home, and only in the case of a severe form of the disease (meningitis, pericarditis, etc.) or if complications develop, hospitalization in the children's department of an infectious diseases hospital is indicated.

Etiotropic treatment for Coxsackie virus has not yet been developed. The main therapeutic measures are aimed at detoxification and elimination of symptoms of the disease. The child needs plenty of fluids. When body temperature rises to high levels, taking antipyretic medications based on ibuprofen or paracetamol is indicated. The same drugs are used to relieve pain. If signs of intoxication are pronounced, enterosorbents can be prescribed (drugs of this group should be taken separately from all others, observing time intervals).

To treat ulcerations on the skin and/or mucous membranes, antiseptic preparations are used in the form of ointments, gels, sprays, and rinses. In case of severe itching on the affected areas of the skin and/or mucous membranes, antihistamines are prescribed, which makes it possible to avoid scratching and the addition of a secondary bacterial infection. If bacterial infection cannot be avoided, local antibacterial drugs are prescribed.

In severe cases of the disease and the development of complications, the use of corticosteroids, as well as intensive care measures, may be required.

Possible complications and consequences of the Coxsackie virus in a child

Diseases that occur when a child is infected with the Coxsackie virus are most often mild and do not have any serious complications. The consequences of the Coxsackie virus in a child, especially in the first year of life, include sore throat, as well as inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), which usually occurs in newborns. Severe forms of viral infection can be complicated by the development of heart failure, cerebral edema, and encephalitis.

Forecast

In most cases, the prognosis is favorable. With the development of complications, especially with myocarditis in a newborn or serous meningitis, the prognosis worsens, and severe complications can cause death.

Prevention of Coxsackie virus in children

Specific prevention of Coxsackie virus in children has not been developed.

Measures to reduce the risk of viral infection include:

early isolation of sick people from the children's team;
avoiding visiting places with large crowds of people during the epidemic (for the Coxsackie virus - summer-autumn) period;
avoiding eating foods that have not been properly processed;
compliance with personal hygiene rules;
avoiding sun and heat stroke;
sufficient ventilation of the room in which the child is located throughout the day;
general strengthening measures.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Coxsackie virus is a common infectious disease that includes a group of 30 active viruses. As a rule, it mainly affects children under 10 years of age. In adults, this disease is very rare. The group of Coxsackie viruses is divided into two subgroups, which differ in the types of complications after infection:

Group of A-type viruses. Complications may include sore throat and even meningitis.
B-type group. Viruses of this type are more dangerous and can lead to serious changes in skeletal and cardiac muscles, as well as brain diseases.

You can also become infected with the Cox virus on the street, although most often infection occurs indoors. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, so if a child is near a carrier of the virus, the risk of infection is very high.

How many days is a child contagious with the Coxsackie virus?

On average, the virus can continue to exist in a child’s intestines for 10 to 21 days. Doctors recommend being careful for 2 months after the virus has stopped acting. During this period, dangerous particles are still released with saliva. Therefore, even an already healthy child can become infected.

As a rule, an infant under one year of age has innate immunity, which reliably protects against the penetration and development of infection in the body. The exception is when the infection is transmitted from the mother during pregnancy.

The period of breastfeeding is also a good protection for the child. The fact is that breast milk contains immunoglobins, which strengthen the baby’s immunity and prevent the development of infections.

Is it possible to swim with the Coxsackie virus?

Many parents ask this question. And the answer to it is yes, it is possible. Of course, you can wash your child so that the skin rashes and wounds from them are not contaminated. However, if the infection occurred on vacation, you need to be careful.

The child is not allowed to swim in the pool or sea. Even if the disease has already subsided, this should not be done. After all, infected particles can be released long after complete recovery. And if your child swims in a public pond, other children may become infected.

Symptoms of the Coxsackie virus in children

To understand how the Coxsackie virus disease begins, you should know the main symptoms that appear in an infected child.

The virus enters the mouth or nasopharynx, begins to multiply in the lymph nodes, and then spreads throughout the body. The incubation period, that is, the time that passes from the initial infection to the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease, is 4-6 days. In some cases, it can be either less (only two days) or more (up to 10 days).

Main symptoms:

poor appetite (often begins at the beginning of the incubation period);
lethargy and drowsiness. The child may begin to be capricious;
Body temperature rises significantly to 40°C. It’s hard to bring down the temperature;
The child complains of a severe headache.

Important! These symptoms appear in most infectious diseases caused by various viruses. Therefore, it is better not to wait until the disease begins to progress and the child becomes even worse, but rather go to the hospital. Laboratory diagnostics will help determine the exact type of virus, and you will know what and how to treat.

Treatment of Coxsackie virus in children

As a rule, in most cases, a healthy child’s immune system is able to cope with the disease on its own. If the disease is not severe, the immune system only needs a few days to produce the required number of lymphocytes. After about 3-5 days, the child recovers, and the symptoms of the disease gradually become less noticeable.

Of course, in severe forms of the disease, it is better to treat the child in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. But if the infection is not severe, you can get by with local treatment. The main task is to support the body in the first days of illness. It is during this period that all symptoms manifest themselves most acutely.

What do we have to do:

give the child interferons. These drugs are necessary to maintain and strengthen the immune system. Be sure to consult your doctor;
lower the temperature if the baby is really unwell. In general, it is better not to knock it down, as this is a normal phenomenon. If the temperature rises, it means the body is fighting the infection and using temperature to try to stop the spread of the virus;
to drink a lot of water. This way, toxins will be removed from the body faster, and there will be fewer rashes;
rashes and wounds on the skin need to be anesthetized with antiseptic agents;
It is useful to take vitamins (B1, B2).

Important! If your child's condition worsens significantly, you should not wait for it to go away on its own. Consult a doctor immediately, as a viral illness can cause complications. And it is better to identify them as early as possible.

Consequences of the Coxsackie virus in children

Children who have contracted the Coxsackie virus may experience various complications. The fact is that the infection can spread from the stomach and intestines to other organs. As a rule, complications appear when the child’s immunity is quite weak. Young children are at high risk for complications.

Main types of complications:

Angina. Very common in children under 1 year of age. As a rule, the tonsils of the palate become inflamed and the lymph nodes become enlarged. Lasts 1-2 weeks.
Meningitis. Brain cells become inflamed, sensitivity and mobility are impaired. The acute form may be accompanied by convulsions and delirium.
Paralysis. It occurs extremely rarely, and even then in mild forms. There may be weakness in the legs and minor gait disturbances.
Myocarditis. Newborns often suffer from this complication. The heartbeat is disrupted and the heart muscle becomes inflamed.
Nails change. As a rule, it appears 2-8 weeks after the transfer of the Coxsackie virus. Nails become brittle, may peel off, change shape and color.

How to protect your child from the Coxsackie virus

If your child has not yet had the Coxsackie virus, then you need to pay attention to safety measures that will help protect him from this unpleasant disease.

Prevention of infectious diseases includes several simple rules:

Teach your child to wash his hands as often as possible. The virus can be transmitted through contact with various dirty surfaces;
if you go to the pool, children should learn not to swallow water when swimming;
Stay safe while on vacation. Do not use tap water in hotels to brush your teeth or wash fruit;
to prevent infection, do not allow your baby to come into contact with sick people;
Be careful in shared playrooms (in hotels or shopping malls). By licking other people's toys, your child can also become infected.

Follow these tips and you can protect your children from infection.

Viral infections are widespread among children of all ages. They can be caused by different pathogenic pathogens, affect different organs and systems, and have different clinical signs. Among the large number of similar diseases of viral origin, special attention should be paid to the Coxsackie virus, also known as the “Turkish virus” or “Turkish chickenpox,” epidemics of which from time to time seize different regions of our country.

Coxsackie virus, symptoms in children

Symptoms of the Coxsackie virus in children manifest themselves acutely, accompanied by fever, intoxication of the body, skin rashes that are localized on the upper and lower extremities, chest, facial skin and other pronounced signs that significantly worsen the general well-being of the child. Before considering the Coxsackie virus in children - photos, symptoms, it is important to know what this disease is, what its causes are, what the danger of the virus is, and what treatment methods will help overcome the disease.

More about the Coxsackie virus

Coxsackievirus is one of the representatives of the group of enteroviruses that multiply rapidly in the human intestine and are highly contagious (infectious). In the absence of timely treatment, Coxsackie can cause severe complications. The first outbreak of this virus in history was registered in the small American town of Coxsackie, which gave its name to the disease. The second name for the disease is the “hand-foot-mouth” virus, since it is on these parts of the body that the symptoms of viral damage manifest themselves most strongly.

Currently, about 30 forms of the Coxsackie virus are known. All of them belong to three groups of human enterovirus: A, B and C. The virus can enter the environment in several ways - with feces, through soil, water. Small insects can also act as carriers: bedbugs, flies, fleas and cockroaches, so epidemic outbreaks often appear in disadvantaged areas and families with a low standard of living.

The Coxsackie virus is highly contagious. It enters the victim's body in different ways. The virus is transmitted by coughing, through saliva, blood, and urine. The infection can be present on the surface of poorly washed fruits and vegetables, in water from reservoirs (including sea water), sand, on door handles and other common objects. A child who falls ill in a children's group will quickly create a real epidemic around him. The main routes of transmission of the virus are airborne droplets, household contact and food.

Coxsackievirus appears less frequently in adults. Symptoms of Coxsackie in adults are not so pronounced, often reminiscent of a common cold or allergy. Pregnant women are also at risk of contracting the virus. For the expectant mother herself, the disease does not pose a danger, but, at the same time, the virus can penetrate the placenta and infect the fetus, which in this case will be born with a viral pathology.

It is not easy to protect yourself from the Coxsackie virus, especially during its epidemic, but still following basic hygiene rules, treating your hands with an antiseptic, thoroughly processing vegetables and fruits before eating them, quenching your thirst only with filtered water, swimming in running water, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection .

Main forms of the disease

As noted above, today science knows about 30 types of Coxsackie virus, which are divided into two main types. The first (type A) includes 24 varieties of the virus - they most often affect the mucous membranes and skin.

All other varieties are classified as group B. Such pathogens are capable of infecting internal organs: heart, lungs, pancreas, subsequently provoking a number of diseases.

Regardless of what type of virus has entered the child’s body, the Coxsackie virus – severe symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Main clinical signs

After contact with a viral infection and until the first signs of the disease appear, 2-3 days usually pass. The Coxsackie virus spreads quickly throughout the body, so the incubation period is quite short. Clinical signs appear acutely and may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

body temperature up to 39˚ and above;
nausea, vomiting;
headache;
tongue covered with white coating;
enlarged lymph nodes.

A characteristic sign of the disease is the appearance of itchy rashes on the skin of the arms, legs, torso and face. Rashes are often present in the mouth, affecting the mucous membrane of the throat. Skin reactions with this disease can appear 2-3 days after the first signs of the disease appear and last for several days. Coxsackie virus in adults - symptoms are not as pronounced as in children, so adults often mistake them for a common cold.

Symptoms of the Coxsackie virus depending on its type and location

Depending on the direction the infection has chosen for its development, and where the pathogen is localized, the Coxsackie virus in children manifests itself in a variety of signs and the course of the disease differs significantly.

Influenza-like form of Coxsackie virus

A common form of the virus, also known as the "summer flu". The disease has a mild course, and the symptoms themselves are similar to a common cold or acute respiratory viral infection. A characteristic sign of the disease is an increase in body temperature to 40˚ C, which lasts no more than 3 days. The symptoms are pronounced, but pass quickly. This form of Coxsackie, as a rule, does not cause complications or serious consequences.

Enteroviral exanthema

The main feature of the Coxsackie virus is that its symptoms are manifested by a rash on the arms, head, and torso. The rashes resemble small blisters that quickly burst, and crusts form in their place. There is itching and peeling in the area of the rash. In addition, the child has an elevated body temperature, which lasts for 3 days. Doctors, as well as parents, often confuse the disease with rubella or chickenpox. The prognosis for this form is favorable, improvements appear already on the 4th day of illness.

Herpangina

When this form of the disease develops, the virus lives mainly on the mucous membrane of the throat. The incubation period can take up to 2 weeks after exposure to the pathogen. There is fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, and stuffy nose.

With herpetic sore throat, small bubbles with liquid appear on the mucous membrane of the throat, bursting after a few days. In their place, erosions with a white coating appear. With proper treatment, symptoms disappear within 7 to 10 days.

Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis

It has a lightning-fast course, the first symptoms may appear already on the 2nd day after contact with the pathogen. Accompanied by a feeling of sand in the eyes, fear of light, swelling of the eyelids, profuse purulent discharge from the eyes.

Damage to the mucous membrane of the eyes by the Coxsackie virus; symptoms in adults and children are initially present in one eye, but then the other eye is infected. In addition to the pronounced clinical symptoms, the patient’s health is satisfactory. The disease goes away within 2 weeks, rarely leaving any consequences.

Intestinal form of Coxsackie virus

With this form of the disease, the symptoms resemble a common intestinal infection, characterized by diarrhea, acute abdominal pain, and fever.

The intestinal form of the Coxsackie virus - symptoms in adults are not as pronounced as in children, who, in addition to the main symptoms, often have a runny nose, sore throat and other catarrhal symptoms. Recovery will take up to 2 weeks.

Poliomyelitis-like form of Coxsackie virus

With this form of viral infection, all the symptoms of polio are present. Paralysis develops very quickly, but the damaged muscles, fortunately, recover quite quickly. In addition to the main symptom, there are other symptoms: rash, fever, frequent loose stools. This form of the disease is common exclusively among children. The treatment and recovery period may take up to 3 weeks.

Serous meningitis

Serous meningitis, which can be caused by different strains of the virus, the Coxsackie virus, is considered a dangerous disease of viral etiology. As the disease develops, damage to the meninges occurs, high body temperature appears - over 39 - 40 degrees, convulsions, muscle pain, fainting.

This form of the disease requires immediate hospitalization of the child. The clinical manifestations become less pronounced only after 5–7 days.

In addition to the main forms of viral infection, the Coxsackie virus can affect the cardiovascular system, liver, pancreas and other organs. Considering the complexity of each disease, as well as their similarity with other pathologies, it is almost impossible to diagnose the disease at the initial examination.

The danger of the Coxsackie virus for a child

Despite the severe symptoms that may appear against the background of diseases caused by this virus, the prognosis for recovery is quite good, and complications occur only in isolated cases. Among the complications are:

dehydration of the body;
pulmonary edema;
heart failure;
Iron-deficiency anemia.

A fatal outcome from viral infection syndrome can occur only in newborns or children with a history of diabetes mellitus or other serious illnesses.

Examination methods

You can recognize the symptoms of Coxsackie virus in children after examining the patient, collecting anamnesis, and examination results. The main factors in making a diagnosis are the results of the following examinations:

diagnostics using the PCR method - determines the causative agent of the virus in the blood;
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) – detects antibodies to the virus;
blood and urine tests.

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe other research methods that will help obtain a complete picture of the disease. A sick child must be referred to other specialists: a cardiologist, an ophthalmologist, a neurologist, a gastroenterologist. Before the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes treatment, the child must exclude diseases such as rubella, polio, mumps, scarlet fever, scabies or eczema.

Treatment of Coxsackie virus

Treatment directly depends on the form and severity of the disease. If there is a risk of complications or the disease is diagnosed in a child under 3 years of age, the child is hospitalized in the infectious diseases department. For mild cases of the disease, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. Therapy includes taking symptomatic and systemic medications that can suppress the aggressiveness of the virus and improve the child’s overall well-being. There is no specific treatment, so the doctor often prescribes symptomatic medications.

Antipyretic drugs - Panadol, Ibuprofen, Nise, Panadol.
Antihistamines are Suprastin, Claritin, Fenistil.
Antiseptics for the throat - Orasept, Chlorophyllipt, Miramistin, Kamistad.
Antiviral - Kagocel, Remantadine, Anaferon, Amiksin, Tamiflu.
Sorbents – Enterosgel, Activated carbon, Polysorb.

The doctor may prescribe other medications, since everything depends on the symptoms, the age of the child, and the characteristics of his body. Any drug, dose, therapeutic course can only be prescribed by a doctor individually for each child.

In a number of exceptions, and only if complications or a bacterial infection are suspected, the doctor may prescribe broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs.

If the disease is mild, antibiotics are not prescribed, since they are completely powerless against viruses, and taking them will only worsen the child’s general condition.

Prevention of Coxsackie infection

Despite the capabilities of modern medicine, there is no vaccine against the Coxsackie virus, so the only way to reduce the risk of getting sick is to follow the rules of personal hygiene. As practice shows, the use of antiviral drugs to prevent Coxsackie also does not bring any results. Thus, today there is no guaranteed protection against Coxsackie. The main task of responsible parents: when the first signs of illness appear or the child complains about deterioration in health, contact a doctor. The sooner the doctor examines the child and receives the examination results, the sooner he can make the correct diagnosis, prescribe treatment, and give useful advice.

The Coxsackie virus, sometimes called “hands-foot-mouth,” is not one, but a whole group of three dozen viruses that reproduce exclusively in the intestines. The disease caused by the virus occurs most often in children, but adults can also become infected. Symptoms of infection are varied: the disease may resemble stomatitis, nephropathy, myocarditis and poliomyelitis. You will learn about the symptoms, variants of the course of the disease and the main methods of its treatment from this article.

Discovery of the virus

Coxsackie viruses were discovered in the mid-twentieth century by the American researcher G. Dalldorf. The virus was discovered by accident. The scientist was trying to find new cures for polio by isolating viral particles from the feces of infected people. However, it turned out that in a group of patients in whom the manifestations of poliomyelitis were rather mild, a new, previously unknown group of viruses was present in the body. It was this group that was given the common name Coxsackie (after the name of the small settlement of Coxsackie, where the first strains of the virus were discovered).

The first outbreak of infection was recorded in 2007 in Eastern China. Then more than eight hundred people were infected, including two hundred children. During the 2007 outbreak, 22 children died from complications of the infection.

In recent years, outbreaks of infection have been recorded almost every year at exotic resorts, most often in Turkey. Infection occurs in hotels or on beaches. Children returning from summer holidays bring the infection to Russia. Due to the high virulence of the virus, the epidemic is spreading at lightning speed.

Properties of the Coxsackie virus

Coxsackievirus belongs to a group of intestinal RNA viruses, also called enteroviruses.

Viral particles are divided into two large groups, A-type and B-type, each of which includes about two dozen viruses. This classification is based on what complications are observed in patients after an infection:

A-type viruses cause upper respiratory tract diseases and meningitis;
after infection with viruses belonging to the B-type, serious changes can develop in the structure of the nervous tissue of the brain, as well as in the muscles.

Viral particles have the following properties:

at room temperature, viruses can remain virulent for seven days;
the virus does not die when treated with a 70% alcohol solution;
the virus survives in gastric juice;
viral particles die only when exposed to formaldehyde and ultraviolet light. They can also be destroyed by high-temperature treatment or radiation;
Despite the fact that the virus multiplies primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, it causes dyseptic symptoms in a relatively small number of patients who initially had intestinal diseases.

Routes of entry into the body of the Coxsackie virus

More than 95% of people in the world have suffered from the disease caused by the Coxsackie virus. This is explained by the exceptional virulence of the virus. As a rule, infection occurs in childhood. After an infection, stable lifelong immunity is formed. Children who feed on mother's milk do not become infected with the virus: they are protected by maternal immunoglobulins. However, in rare cases, the virus is transmitted to the child from the mother during pregnancy or when passing through the birth canal.

Carriers of the virus are both patients with active manifestations of the disease and those whose symptoms have practically disappeared: for several days after the disappearance of clinical signs of the disease, viral particles continue to be released in saliva and feces. Mostly infection occurs by airborne droplets, but fecal-oral spread of infection is also possible.

Children aged 3 to 10 years are most often infected. It is in this age group that the most pronounced symptoms of the disease and a greater number of complications after an infection are noted. Adolescents and adults can also become infected with the Coxsackie virus, but in them the disease occurs in a latent (hidden) form.

Symptoms of the Coxsackie virus in children

The incubation period, that is, the time from infection to the appearance of the first symptoms, ranges from 3 to 6 days. The first sign of infection with the Coxsackie virus is the following symptoms:

low-grade fever;
general malaise, manifested by weakness, lack of appetite and irritability;
sore throat.

The symptoms described above persist for two to three days. Sometimes weakness, poor appetite and drowsiness make themselves felt already during the incubation period.

A sharp, sudden increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees is one of the first signs of the Coxsackie virus. At the same time, it is quite difficult to reduce the temperature.

After the end of the child's incubation period, small red spots appear on the mucous membrane of the mouth. Soon the spots turn into blisters, which subsequently ulcerate. The rash also appears on the palms and soles of the feet. It is because of this feature that the Coxsackie virus received its second name: “hands-foot-mouth.” In some cases, the rash may appear on the buttocks, abdomen and back. The blisters itch intensely, causing the child great distress. Due to itching, sleep is disturbed and dizziness may develop.

In some cases, infected children develop dyseptic syndrome: vomiting and diarrhea. Diarrhea can occur up to 10 times a day, the stool is liquid, but without pathological inclusions (blood, pus or mucus).

Forms of flow

The Coxsackie virus can cause a different clinical picture, so patients are usually identified as syndromes or combinations thereof. The severity of symptoms depends on the characteristics of the child’s body, in particular, on the activity of his immune system. For example, Dr. Komarovsky notes that sometimes when a child is infected with the Coxsackie virus, there is no rash in the mouth or the temperature rises only to subfebrile levels.

There are typical and atypical course of the infection, while the typical form of the disease is less common than the atypical one.

Typical forms of viral infection include:

herpangina, characterized by predominant inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and pharynx;
Boston exanthema and hand-foot-mouth disease, in which a small red rash appears on the child’s body (mainly on the arms, legs, around the mouth) and then the skin on the palms and feet peels off (within a month);
epidemic myalgia (“devil’s flu” or epidemic rheumatism), in which patients experience severe pain in the upper abdomen and chest, as well as headaches;
aseptic meningitis, that is, inflammation of the lining of the brain.

Most often, the disease occurs as a “hands-foot-mouth” type; myalgia and meningitis develop in a small number of patients, who, as a rule, have reduced immunity.

Atypical forms of infection caused by the Coxsackie virus are extremely diverse. They may resemble polio, nephritis, myocarditis and other diseases. In this regard, errors are possible when diagnosing the disease: the symptoms of infection with the Coxsackie virus can easily be confused with the manifestations of many diseases of internal organs.

How dangerous is the Coxsackie virus?

There is no specific treatment for infection caused by the Coxsackie virus. Antibiotics against Coxsackie viruses (as against any other virus) are ineffective. Therefore, the most common treatments prescribed are rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and immunomodulators to help the body cope with the infection faster. In some cases, painkillers and antipyretics may be required.

With this treatment, the disease goes away in about a week. However, if the patient develops symptoms such as severe headaches, joint pain and fever, he needs urgent hospitalization.

Treatment of Coxsackie in children

If there are no complications, the infection can be successfully treated at home. It is recommended to follow the following recommendations:

When it’s hot, you should bring down the temperature with Ibuprofen or Ibufen. Also, to alleviate the child’s condition, you can wipe him with a cloth moistened with cool water;
to increase the activity of the immune system, it is recommended to take interferons or immunoglobulins;
for severe symptoms of intoxication, sorbents (Enterosgel, Activated carbon) are indicated.

To relieve symptoms of dehydration, which often occur with diarrhea and vomiting, your child should be given plenty of fluids. It is advisable to give him compotes, fruit drinks and juices that contain vitamins that help the body cope with the disease faster. For severe symptoms of dehydration, it is necessary to take Regidron, which not only replenishes lost fluid, but also restores the balance of microelements in the body.

Dr. Komarovsky recommends giving your child any drinks, including sweet soda: a large amount of glucose will help restore the strength necessary to fight the infection. Despite the pain when swallowing, it is not recommended to force-feed your baby.

Rashes on the oral mucosa should be regularly treated with Orasept and Hexoral: this will prevent the development of inflammatory processes. In young children, irritation of the oral mucosa can provoke excessive salivation. For this reason, it is necessary to turn the child's head to the side during sleep to prevent saliva from entering the respiratory tract. To make eating easier, it is recommended to lubricate the child’s mouth with painkillers (Kamistad, Homisal).

With this treatment, relief occurs within two to three days. However, it is necessary for the child to remain in bed for a week and not have contact with peers.

How to relieve itching due to Coxsackie virus

The rash that occurs with the Coxsackie virus is so itchy and itchy that the child cannot sleep. Those who have survived this virus are unanimous that neither a fever nor a sore throat is comparable to the itching of a child’s palms and feet. What to do if your child constantly scratches his hands and feet? A couple of tips to help reduce itching:

purchase pharmaceutical remedies for mosquito, wasp, and insect bites (fenistil, mosquitall, off).
take baths with soda. To do this, dilute a tablespoon of baking soda in a liter of cool water and occasionally make baths for the legs and arms. Not for long, but will relieve the itching a little;
do not forget to give an antihistamine (fenistil, erius - any children's);

In fact, it is impossible to completely relieve the itching. With these methods you will reduce it a little and distract the child with the procedures. In order for the child to sleep at night, one of the parents will have to sit by his crib all night and stroke his feet and palms - this is the only way the itching subsides and allows the child to take a nap. Having walked this path, I can tell you that it is very difficult. One good thing is that there are only two sleepless nights, then the rash goes away and after a while (about a month) the skin on the palms and feet peels off.

When is it necessary to call emergency services?

Cocasaki virus is quite mild in most children. However, we must not forget that complications that threaten the child’s life are possible. Therefore, parents should be aware of the symptoms of complications requiring urgent medical intervention.

You should call an ambulance immediately if the following signs appear:

pale skin;
cyanosis, that is, blueness of the skin;
stiff neck;
refusal to eat for more than a day;
severe dehydration, which can be detected by dry lips, lethargy, drowsiness, and a decrease in the amount of urine produced. In severe cases, dehydration may cause delusions and hallucinations;
Strong headache;
fever and chills, as well as the inability to lower the temperature for a long time.

Complications

Coxsackie virus can cause the following complications:

angina. A sore throat manifests itself as inflammation of the tonsils and severe pain in the throat. Also, with angina, the cervical lymph nodes increase in size;
meningitis, or inflammation of the membranes of the brain. The Coxsackie virus can cause both aseptic and serous forms of meningitis. With the aseptic form, symptoms such as limited mobility of the neck muscles, facial swelling and sensory disturbances develop. With the serous form, the child develops delirium and convulsions. Meningitis is one of the most serious complications of the Coxsackie virus; its treatment should occur in a hospital setting;
paralysis. Paralysis after infection with the Coxsackie virus develops extremely rarely. Usually it makes itself felt against the background of rising temperature. Paralysis manifests itself in varying degrees: from mild weakness to gait disturbances. After the Coxsackie virus, severe paralysis does not develop: this symptom quickly disappears after the end of treatment of the disease;
myocarditis. This complication develops mainly in newborns. Myocarditis is accompanied by irregular heart rhythm, weakness and difficulty breathing.

In order to avoid complications, it is necessary that treatment of the Coxsackie virus be carried out under medical supervision.

Death from the Coxsackie virus occurs extremely rarely: when premature newborns are infected. Such children quickly develop encephalitis, which becomes the cause of death. When children are infected in the womb, sudden infant death syndrome is possible.

Coxsackievirus in adults

In adult patients, infection with the Coxsackie virus is in most cases asymptomatic or mild. However, in rare cases, the virus can trigger Bronholm's disease, which is characterized by the following symptoms:

acute pain in different muscle groups;
increased body temperature;
severe vomiting.

Muscle pain with Bronholm's disease is observed mainly in the upper half of the body. The pain becomes especially severe when moving.

If the virus infects the cells of the spinal cord, a paralytic form of the disease may develop. It causes gait disturbances and increasing muscle weakness.

The complications described above are relatively rare. However, when the first symptoms appear, you should seek medical help.

Prevention

Dr. Komarovsky warns that most infections occur at resorts, so outbreaks usually occur in the summer. To prevent infection, the following recommendations must be followed:

Do not let your child drink raw tap water. When at resorts in exotic countries, drink only bottled water. It must also be used for cooking;
Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed and rinsed with bottled water. Before giving vegetables and fruits to your child, you need to peel them. The last recommendation is especially relevant if you are at a resort where there has been an outbreak of the Coxsackie virus;
if your child has a weakened immune system, avoid visiting exotic resorts;
Explain to your child that it is necessary to wash their hands after going outside and after visiting the restroom.

Typically, the Coxsackie virus does not cause the development of dangerous complications: the disease lasts from three to five days, after which you can return to normal activities. However, in rare cases, infection is serious. This is especially true for children whose immunity is weakened. To minimize risks, you should consult a doctor at the first symptoms of infection and under no circumstances self-medicate.