Modern medicine does not stand still, but various infectious diseases also progress over time. In addition to the usual viruses for us, international tourists often bring previously unfamiliar diseases. One of the last shaken calm of many mothers was the Koksaki virus introduced from Turkey, the consequences of which can be very serious. This disease should be eliminated only with the help of specialists and not delay the appointment with a doctor. The fact is that the Coxsackie virus, the incubation period of which can be different, can provoke the development of meningitis, paralysis or serious heart complications.
Definition
How long the incubation period of the Koksaki virus lasts depends on the state of health of the patient, his age and the type of infection itself. The fact is that Koksaki has a whole group of pathogenic microorganisms from 30 different species. All these enteroviruses are localized in the digestive system and, in addition to actively influencing it, provoke inflammation of other vital organs in the body. Coxsackie virus, the incubation period in adults takes time similar to children, but appears much less often. A risk group is considered to be children at the age of about five, older ones are less common. This is due to the spread of infection among people.
Virus spread
Before the Coxsackie virus appears in full force, it enters the body in a few days. Is the Coxsackie virus contagious during the incubation period? Undoubtedly. Already at this time, the child may become lethargic and irritable, but at the same time any obvious signs of infection will not be visible.
How is coxsackie virus transmitted? It is much easier for kids to get the infection, since it spreads most often by airborne droplets. And since children have not yet strengthened immunity, they can become infected simply by walking along the street.
In addition , another method of infection determines the risk group for young children - through dirty hands. It is the kids who very often pull unknown objects into their mouths, wanting to taste the world. Any ignoring the rules of personal hygiene increases the risk of nutritional infection of the virus.
Hidden period
Before the Coxsackie virus manifests itself, in the patient's body he already lives from two to ten days. The incubation period of the Coxsackie virus in children is determined depending on the age of the baby and the weakening of his immunity. It is almost impossible to notice the disease at this stage. The baby may be more tired and more capricious, but mothers often attribute this behavior to a spoiled mood or lack of sleep, rather than a manifestation of a serious infection. As soon as the disease enters the active phase, the symptoms of infection are very pronounced.
How does the Coxsackie virus begin in children? Regardless of its classification, the infection first attacks the gastrointestinal tract, in which it spreads, and after that all the symptoms in a complex way indicate the manifestation of influenza or tonsillitis. It is very important not to self-medicate, but to seek help from a specialist who can accurately determine the class of the virus and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Infection classification
The Coxsackie virus, the incubation period of which can vary from one’s belonging to a certain class, is a rather dangerous disease. Each class has approximately the same number of viruses, which are generalized under one name. Conventionally, the disease is divided into pathogenic microorganisms into classes A and B. The first is most common and proceeds relatively safely. Infections of this class can provoke acute meningitis in the body with possible consequences on the nasopharynx, nose and larynx. The disease is complex, but the second class carries an even greater danger.
Coxsackie Virus, effects of group B will include:
- paralysis;
- dystrophy of the brain;
- disruption of the heart and blood vessels;
- myocardial weakening.
Symptomatology
How is the Coxsackie virus? This cannot be said unequivocally. The fact is that it is characterized by a certain set of symptoms that can occur in patients in a complex or individually. It is definitely worth highlighting the increase in body temperature, which is very difficult to stray and can reach a mark of 40 degrees. In parallel with it, headaches, body aches and fevers occur, but babies can rarely express these feelings with the right words.
It is interesting that the virus most often appears atypical, that is, it is impossible to guess what exactly will become a sign of the disease in a particular child. An accurate diagnosis can be made in such cases only by the results of analyzes, which means that at the first signs of infection, you should immediately contact a specialist.
Despite the fact that the virus is localized in the intestine, its apparent disorder in the child may not be observed. The frequent uncharacteristic course of the disease is accompanied in different children by nephritis, symptoms of respiratory diseases, conjunctivitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis and other inflammation of the internal organs.
Among the typical symptoms of the virus are:
- aseptic meningitis;
- foot-hand-mouth syndrome;
- herpetic sore throat;
- enteroviral exanthema.
Danger to adults
In the Coxsackie virus, the incubation period in adults also takes several days, but the disease as a whole is very rare. The infection manifests itself in adult patients, mainly intestinal disorders. Characteristic can be considered nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, which are additionally supported by existing chronic diseases.
Particular attention should be paid to the manifestation of:
- fever
- inflammation of the pharynx and nasopharynx;
- hemorrhagic rash;
- disability;
- increase in temperature.
Danger to children
Koksaki virus, the incubation period does not affect this, it is very dangerous for young children. In infancy, infection with an infection contributes to the development of anorexia and shortness of breath caused by prolonged diarrhea and vomiting against the background of general weakness of the body. It is very difficult to predict the time of getting rid of pathogenic organisms and further consequences. In this case, only timely diagnosis and proper treatment can give the result.
In children of preschool and primary school age, the infection manifests itself in the form of tonsillitis. It is impossible to determine it exactly at first glance, doctors rarely encountering this disease, they simply diagnose the child with acute inflammation in the throat.
The infection is accompanied by:
- strong fever;
- sores on the mucosa and larynx;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- loss of appetite;
- sore throat;
- skin rashes.
It is interesting that a characteristic distinguishing feature of a usual sore throat - skin rashes - may not appear immediately, but after the doctor has examined the child and made the wrong diagnosis. In such cases, it is very important to seek help again to clarify the disease and its treatment.
Course of infection
The incubation period of the Coxsackie virus in children does not give an exact definition of how the disease will proceed in a particular child. Depending on in which internal organ the focus of infection is localized, the course of the virus can be of varying severity. The most mild form is considered flu-like. Almost all of its symptoms indicate an acute respiratory viral infection, the flu, or a severe cold. In addition to this, a characteristic rash appears on the baby's body. It can occur in any part of the body and even in the scalp. To transfer this form is considered the easiest option for the disease, since it does not cause any serious complications.
Herpes angina, which manifests itself with all the symptoms characteristic of the disease, should be distinguished as moderate in severity.
The acute forms are polio-like infection. It is observed as progressive severe paralysis.
The intestinal form also has complications. It is accompanied by pronounced disorders, in parallel with which characteristic vesicles form on the skin. Outwardly, they are a bit like chickenpox and also cause itching. Over time, crusts form in their place.
Long-term effects
In most patients diagnosed with the virus, the condition of the nails worsens after the disease has been transmitted. It manifests itself in their delamination, a change in color or shape. All nail plates or just some can be affected at once, but with the growth of new ones the problem completely disappears. The Coxsackie virus incubation period after the active manifestation of infection to a clear violation of the nails is from two to eight weeks. Most scientists attribute this to the usual decrease in immunity after the disease and the lack of trace elements, there are no clear signs that the virus directly affects the deterioration of the nails, and there is a connection.
Infection diagnosis
For a specialist to be able to accurately diagnose, an external examination of the patient is not enough for him. A classic history is observed when taking tests of body fluids. Most often, this is blood, urine, but on the recommendation of a specialist, additional phlegm, lacrimal secretions, and so on may be required.
A characteristic manifestation of the virus in the body is a several-fold increase in antibody titer. Tests for hemagglutination and complement binding are also performed.
Only after an accurate diagnosis should the doctor prescribe treatment according to the symptoms.
Treatment procedure
Treatment of the Coxsackie virus during the incubation period is strictly prohibited with antibiotics. The fact is that antibacterial agents act ineffectively on this group of infections and can be prescribed only to prevent the appearance of serious complications. The treatment itself is carried out symptomatically with medicines of various pharmacological groups.
To eliminate inflammation in the throat, patients are prescribed external antiseptic agents. Depending on the preferences of the mother and the presence of allergic reactions to certain medications, a solution of furatsilin, miramistin or other sprays can be prescribed.
High temperature must be brought down. For children, various medications based on ibuprofen and paracetamol are used, alternating them if necessary. For very young people, syrups or candles are used, and for older children, you can take pills.
When the body is infected with a virus, it is imperative to stimulate its immune system to naturally resist the disease. For this, children are prescribed immunomodulatory drugs such as "Viferon", "Anaferon" or "Cycloferon".
The presence of skin rashes should be eliminated with local antihistamines, since such vesicles cause severe itching and irritation. As a supplement to medicines, you can use decoctions of soothing herbs to rinse the baby's irritated skin.
Serious intestinal disorders must be stopped as soon as possible so as not to provoke dehydration. Specialists often prescribe sorbents of various drug release forms for this, but with severe symptoms of intoxication, taking them alone is not enough. In such situations, the child needs emergency assistance, which can be provided by the drug "Rehydron". It is available in powder form for the preparation of a drinking solution. Taking this drug normalizes the water-salt metabolism in the body, but the solution is unpleasant for children. That is why mothers should strictly control the process of taking medications. The advantage of this drug is its affordable price, in comparison with effectiveness, and ease of preparation.
Already after the disease, the intestinal microflora always needs to be restored, which can be accelerated by the time-tested Linex drug. This product is suitable for young children and effectively replenishes beneficial bacteria in the body. Plus, the powder from the capsules tastes good, acts quickly and is based only on natural ingredients. The recovery course is usually about a week.
With the consequences after the disease in the form of damage to the nail plates, it is necessary to drink a course of mineral and vitamin complexes in order to enrich the body with the missing elements. Also, topically, regenerating ointments should be used that contribute to faster healing.
Dangerous effects
Many people wonder how the Coxsackie virus is transmitted, but not everyone knows about its dangers when ignoring the problem. So why should you immediately seek the help of specialists? Enteroxovirus type Coxsacky under the supervision of doctors and with proper treatment can pass without a trace, especially if it was mild.
In the case of a serious course of the disease in the body, complications such as:
- encephalitis;
- meningitis;
- paralysis;
- diabetes;
- heart failure.
Preventative measures
How to protect yourself from the Coxsackie virus? There are simply no special profile events for this. It is necessary, first of all, to observe all the rules of personal hygiene, thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before eating. In addition, crowds should be avoided during the epidemic, as the disease is transmitted by air. In addition, you should carefully monitor the health of the baby, try to strengthen his immunity even before the disease, and at the first signs to seek medical help.
Soothing information for parents is that once the child has been ill with the virus once, the baby receives a lifelong immunity to this infection and will no longer encounter it.
But be that as it may, in order not to become infected with any virus, you must constantly monitor your health. Namely, to lead a healthy lifestyle, adhere to proper nutrition, and also regularly go to an appointment with qualified specialists. And then you and your children will be healthy.