Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu vs. Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu vs

Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu vs. Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

So you or your child has a fever and a rash and you are concerned if the cause is theflu or another illness that causes a fever. Let's review the information abouthand foot and mouth disease taken from iTriage (available on iPhone, Android, or atwww.iTriageHealth.com), and compare it to the symptoms of the flu.

Flu (Influenza)

Symptoms

Fever, headache, tiredness (fatigue), chills, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy and congested nose, muscle aches and stiffness. The fever in influenza tends to be higher (> 101 F or 38.3 C) than in other viral illnesses such as thecommon cold (URI). The muscle aches and fatigue tend to be more severe as well.

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Description

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that usually begins in the throat. It can also involve the upper palate, tonsils, skin, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. Infants and young children (under 3 years) are affected.

Symptoms

Rash on hands and feet, ulcers in mouth, fever, fussiness.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed.

Treatment

Treatment includes: acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and oral fluids.

As you can see a rash is not common with the flu but is almost always present in hand, foot and mouth disease. The rash appears as small red pumps and is commonly found on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands, and small bumps or ulcers are seen in the mouth. While hand, foot and mouth disease is most common in young children it can affect adults.

Both illnesses are treated with oral fluids and medications to decrease the fever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), or naproxen (Naprosyn). Your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic and an emergency department can all treat patients with hand, foot and mouth disease, and you can find these healthcare providers anywhere in the Unites States usingiTriage. If you have any questions about this information or any of the otherCountdown to the Flu series please send us your question through the comment box below.

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