What can ruin your vacation? All about the Coxsackie virus

Coxsackie virus is an intestinal infection. It is widespread all over the world and is stable in the external environment. It is more common to get sick in the summer, especially after a vacation in resorts. We’ll tell you how to minimize the risk of infection.

How the virus is transmitted

Infection occurs by contact and airborne droplets. The virus persists for a long time in the external environment: in water, on food and household items, toys. A large number of people near the water create favorable conditions for the development of the virus.

The risk group for severe course of the disease and complications includes newborns, the elderly, and people with immunodeficiency conditions: cancer patients, HIV-infected people. Children who have not been exposed to enterovirus infection are particularly vulnerable to Coxsackie.

Symptoms of Coxsackie

Manifestations of the disease in children and adults are diverse. Symptoms may not be present at all, but may last up to twenty days fever with abdominal pain, headache. The most common sign is a rash on the hands, feet, and mouth. If you suspect Coxsackie or another form of enterovirus, call a doctor and isolate the patient. If you have recently returned from vacation, please let us know during the inspection. It will be easier for the doctor to make a diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment.

Symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

• body temperature is above 38° C in children under 6 months of age, and above 38.8° C in older children
• lack of appetite
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• shortness of breath
• convulsions
• unusual drowsiness
• chest or abdominal pain
• numerous rashes on the skin or in the mouth
• severe sore throat
• severe headache, especially accompanied by vomiting, confusion, or unusual drowsiness
• stiffness of the occipital muscles: it is difficult to tilt the head forward
• redness, inflammation of the eyes

These can be symptoms of both the disease itself and the beginning complications: viral meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis.

How not to get infected

In 2017, the Russian Ministry of Health issued recommendations for the prevention of enterovirus infections:

• observe personal hygiene
• follow the drinking regime: drink boiled or bottled water
• make sure that the child does not drink water in the pool
• thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits, process with boiling water
• avoid mass events, places with a large number of people
• do wet cleaning of residential areas at least twice a day
• ventilate the rooms regularly

These rules will help reduce the risk of illness and avoid overshadowing your vacation with diseases and quarantine.