Genesis Reference Labs tests for a number of common ailments, including Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) affects an estimated 10 million children under the age of 5 worldwide each year. In the United States, HFMD is most common in children under the age of 5, with an estimated 2 million cases occurring each year. Still, it can impact people of all ages. The disease is most prevalent during the summer and fall months. It often occurs after children are exposed to a virus at their school or daycare. A group of viruses causes HFMD, most commonly the coxsackievirus A16. The virus is spread through contact with the saliva, nasal secretions, or feces of an infected person. Genesis Reference Labs notes that symptoms of HFMD typically develop within 7 days of exposure to the virus and include fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, and a rash that appears on the hands, feet, and mouth. In many cases the initial symptoms, like inflamed and sore throat, can be difficult to differentiate from other infections such as Strep throat or viral pharyngitis.
Laboratory testing from Genesis Reference Labs can assist in offering several benefits for HFMD management. It can provide a definitive diagnosis (differentiating HFMD from other similar illnesses), ensuring appropriate treatment, peace of mind for concerned parents, and potentially reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. Laboratory testing can also assist in tracking and monitoring HFMD outbreaks, facilitating public health interventions, and prevention strategies.
Genesis Reference Labs on How HFMD is Diagnosed
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and young children. The disease is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses, which are highly contagious and can spread easily through contact with an infected person’s saliva, mucus, or feces.
The diagnosis of HFMD is often based on characteristic symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and a rash with small blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth. However, in some cases, the symptoms may be atypical or severe, making it difficult to diagnose the disease based on clinical examination alone.
In such cases, laboratory testing can provide confirmation of the diagnosis, at that specific time. A healthcare provider may collect a sample of the patient’s throat swab, stool, or blister fluid and send it to a laboratory for testing. Genesis Reference Labs offers a laboratory test that uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which is highly sensitive and specific, to detect the presence of enteroviruses in the patient’s sample.
The test results can aid in providing a prognosis and guiding treatment decisions. For instance, if the test is positive, the healthcare provider may recommend supportive care such as rest, hydration, and pain relief medication. If the test is negative, the healthcare provider may consider other possible causes of the patient’s symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.
If you suspect your child has HFMD, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider can evaluate your child’s symptoms and determine whether laboratory testing is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and promote a speedy recovery.
Most cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease are mild and resolve within 7-10 days without treatment, however, in rare cases, HFMD can lead to complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis. Children with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of developing serious complications from HFMD. There is no specific treatment for HFMD, but the symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers. Children with HFMD should be encouraged to rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Genesis Reference Labs remains committed to providing accurate laboratory testing so that medical providers can understand exactly what their patients are up against. Any parent who notices symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can request lab testing to get an accurate diagnosis. Lab testing can also shed light on symptoms of other common medical issues for children. Genesis Reference Labs notes that the first step in healing is often an accurate diagnosis. By effectively utilizing laboratory testing from Genesis Reference Labs, healthcare providers can optimize patient management, prevent complications, control outbreaks of diseases such as HFMD, and contribute to public health efforts to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing and the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/treatment.html
https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/signs-symptoms.html
https://medlineplus.gov/laboratorytests.html
