Coxsackievirus infectious diseases. Symptoms, treatment, photos of the coxsackie virus in children and adults. Signs of infection with Coxsackie viruses

They also progress over time. In addition to the viruses we are familiar with, international tourists often bring previously unknown diseases. One of the latest things to shake the peace of many mothers was the Coxsackie virus imported from Turkey, the consequences of which can be very serious. This disease should be eliminated only with the help of specialists and not delay in seeing a doctor. The fact is that the Coxsackie virus, the incubation period of which can vary, can provoke the development of meningitis, paralysis or serious complications in the heart.

Definition

How long the incubation period of the Coxsackie virus lasts depends on the patient’s health, his age and the type of infection itself. The fact is that Coxsackie includes a whole group of pathogenic microorganisms of 30 various types. 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. The Coxsackie virus, the incubation period in adults takes a similar time to children, but appears much less frequently. Children aged about five years are considered at risk; older children are less likely to be affected. This is due to the ways the infection spreads among people.

Spread of the virus

Before the Coxsackie virus appears in full force, it enters the body several days. Is the Coxsackie virus contagious during the incubation period? Without a doubt. Already at this time, the child may become lethargic and irritable, but no obvious signs of infection will be visible.

How is the Coxsackie virus transmitted? It is much easier for children to get the infection, since it is most often spread by airborne droplets. And since children do not yet have a very strong immune system, they can become infected simply by walking down the street.

In addition to younger age, another method of infection is determined - through dirty hands. It is babies who very often put unknown objects into their mouths, wanting to taste the world. Any disregard for personal hygiene rules increases the risk of nutritional infection with the virus.

Hidden period

Before the Coxsackie virus manifests itself, it already lives in the patient’s body for 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 bad 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 become very pronounced.

How does the Coxsackie virus begin in children? Regardless of its classification, the infection first attacks the gastrointestinal tract, where it spreads, and after that all the symptoms comprehensively 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.

Classification of infection

The Coxsackie virus, the incubation period of which can vary depending on whether it belongs to a particular class, is a rather dangerous disease. Each class has approximately the same number of viruses, which are summarized under one name. Conventionally, pathogenic microorganisms are divided into classes A and B. The first is the most common and is relatively safer. Infections of this class can provoke acute meningitis in the body with possible consequences for the nasopharynx, nose and larynx. The disease is complex, but the second class carries an even greater danger.

Coxsackie virus, group B consequences include:

• paralysis;
• brain dystrophy;
• disruption of the heart and blood vessels;
• weakening of the myocardium.

Symptoms

How does the Coxsackie virus occur? This cannot be said for sure. The fact is that it is characterized by a certain set of symptoms that can manifest in patients complexly or individually. One should definitely highlight the increase in body temperature, which is very difficult to break down and can reach 40 degrees. In parallel with it, headaches, body aches and fevers appear, but babies can rarely express these feelings in the right words.

It is interesting that the virus most often manifests itself atypically, that is, it is impossible to guess what exactly will be a sign of the disease in a particular child. An accurate diagnosis in such cases can only be made based on test results, which means that at the first signs of infection you must immediately contact a specialist.

Despite the fact that the virus is localized in the intestines, its obvious disorder may not be observed in the child. The frequent uncharacteristic course of the disease is accompanied in different children by nephritis, symptoms of respiratory diseases, conjunctivitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis and other inflammations of internal organs.

Typical symptoms of the virus include:

• aseptic meningitis;
• foot-hand-mouth syndrome;
• herpetic sore throat;
• enteroviral exanthema.

Danger for adults

The Coxsackie virus also has an incubation period of several days in adults, but the disease is generally very rare. The infection in adult patients manifests itself mainly as intestinal disorders. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are additionally reinforced by existing chronic diseases, can be considered characteristic.

Particular attention should be paid to the manifestation of:

• fever;
• inflammation of the pharynx and nasopharynx;
• hemorrhagic rash;
• loss of ability to work;
• temperature rise.

Danger for children

The Coxsackie virus, although the incubation period does not affect this, is very dangerous for young children. In infancy, infection contributes to the development of anorexia and shortness of breath, caused by prolonged diarrhea and vomiting against a 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, the result can only be achieved by timely diagnosis and correct treatment.

In children of preschool and primary school age, the infection manifests itself in the form of tonsillitis. It is impossible to determine it accurately at first glance; doctors, who rarely encounter this disease, simply diagnose the child with acute inflammation in the throat.

The infection is accompanied by:

• strong increase in temperature;
• ulcers on the mucous membrane and larynx;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• loss of appetite;
• sore throat;
• skin rashes.

It is interesting that a characteristic distinguishing feature of a common sore throat - skin rashes - may not appear immediately, but only after the child has been examined by a doctor and made an incorrect 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 accurately determine how exactly the disease will progress in a particular child. Depending on the internal organ in which the source of infection is localized, the course of the virus can vary in severity. The mildest form is considered to be influenza-like. Almost all of its symptoms indicate acute ARVI, influenza or a severe cold. In addition to this, a characteristic rash appears on the baby’s body. It can appear in any part of the body and even in the scalp. Transferring this form is considered the easiest version of the disease, since it does not cause any serious complications.

Moderate in severity, herpetic sore throat should be distinguished, which manifests itself with all the symptoms characteristic of this disease.

Poliomyelitis-like infection has acute forms. It is observed as progressive severe paralysis.

The intestinal form also has complications. It is accompanied by pronounced disorders, in parallel with which characteristic blisters form on the skin. Outwardly, they look a little like chickenpox and also cause itching. Over time, crusts form in their place.

Long-term consequences

Most patients diagnosed with the virus experience a deterioration in the condition of their nails after undergoing the disease. It manifests itself in their delamination, change in color or shape. All nail plates or only some may be affected at once, but as new ones grow, the problem completely goes away. Coxsackie virus incubation period from active infection to obvious nail damage ranges from two to eight weeks. Most scientists attribute this to the usual decrease in immunity after illness and a lack of microelements; there are no clear signs that the deterioration of nails is directly affected by the virus, but a connection is observed.

Diagnosis of infection

For a specialist to make an accurate diagnosis, an external examination of the patient is not enough. The classic anamnesis is observed when taking tests of biological fluids of the body. Most often, this is blood, urine, but on the recommendation of a specialist, sputum, tear secretions, and so on may additionally be required.

A characteristic manifestation of the virus in the body is an increase in antibody titer several times. Hemagglutination and complement binding tests are also performed.

Only after an accurate diagnosis should the doctor prescribe treatment according to the existing symptoms.

Treatment procedure

Treatment of the Coxsackie virus during the incubation period is strictly prohibited with antibiotics. The fact is that antibacterial agents are ineffective against this group of infections and can only be prescribed to prevent the occurrence of serious complications. The treatment itself is carried out symptomatically with medications of different pharmacological groups.

To eliminate inflammation in the throat, patients are prescribed external antiseptics. Depending on the mother’s preferences and the presence of allergic reactions to certain medications, a solution of furatsilin, miramistin or other sprays may be prescribed.

The high temperature must be brought down. For children, various medications based on ibuprofen and paracetamol are used, alternating them if necessary. For very young children, syrups or suppositories are used, and for older children, you can take tablets.

When the body is infected with a virus, it is imperative to stimulate its immune system to naturally fight back the disease. For this, children are prescribed immunomodulatory drugs such as Viferon, Anaferon or Cycloferon.

The presence of skin rashes should be eliminated with topical antihistamines, since such blisters cause severe itching and irritation. As an addition to medications, you can use decoctions of soothing herbs to rinse your baby's irritated skin.

Serious intestinal disorders must be stopped as quickly as possible so as not to provoke dehydration. Specialists often prescribe sorbents of various medicinal forms for this purpose, but in case of severe symptoms of intoxication, taking them alone is not enough. In such situations, the child requires emergency assistance, which can be provided by the drug "Regidron". It is available in powder form for preparing a drinking solution. Taking this product normalizes water-salt metabolism in the body, but the taste of 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 its effectiveness, and ease of preparation.

After an illness, the intestinal microflora always needs restoration, which can be accelerated by the time-tested drug Linex. This tool Suitable for young children and effectively replenishes beneficial bacteria in the body. Plus, the capsule powder has a pleasant taste, acts quickly and is based only on natural ingredients. The recovery course is usually about a week.

If there are consequences after the disease in the form of damage to the nail plates, it is necessary to take a course of mineral and vitamin complexes to enrich the body with the missing elements. Regenerating ointments should also be used topically to promote rapid healing.

Dangerous consequences

Many people are interested in how the Coxsackie virus is transmitted, but not everyone knows about its danger if the problem is ignored. So why should you immediately seek professional help? Enterovirus of the Coxsackie type, under medical supervision and with proper treatment, can go away without a trace, especially if it is mild.

In the case of a serious course of the disease, complications such as:

• encephalitis;
• meningitis;
• paralysis;
• diabetes;
• heart failure.

Preventive measures

How to protect yourself from the Coxsackie virus? There are simply no special specialized events for this. First of all, it is necessary to observe all the rules of personal hygiene, thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before eating. In addition, you should avoid crowded places during the epidemic, since the disease is airborne. In addition, you should carefully monitor your baby’s health, try to strengthen his immunity before he gets sick, and seek medical help at the first sign.

The reassuring information for parents is that having recovered from the virus once, the baby receives lifelong immunity to this infection and will not encounter it again.

But be that as it may, in order not to become infected with any virus, you need to constantly monitor your health. Namely, lead a healthy lifestyle, adhere to proper nutrition, and also regularly visit qualified specialists. And then you and your children will be healthy.

With an infection caused by the coxsackie virus, the rashes are localized according to the principle: arms, legs, mouth. This expression is another name for this infection. Children 1-2 years old are more seriously ill.

A group of enteroviruses that survive well in the stomach and intestines is called the coxsackie virus. The infection was first found in the United States in the small town of Coxsackie, where the name of the disease came from. Enterovirus coxsackievirus has quickly spread throughout the world and today affects the gastrointestinal tract, multiplying especially rapidly in children's bodies.

The infection usually occurs in children under 5 years of age and very rarely in adults. The disease leaves behind a strong immunity, and it is impossible to become infected with coxsackie again. The virus is divided into several types, including A, C and B particles. In total, there are about 29 types of infection. It is transmitted very quickly and easily from a sick person to a healthy person: through blood, food, or in most cases by airborne droplets.

Many cases of the spread of the virus have been recorded in preschool institutions. It is important to monitor the hygiene of children’s hands and wash them after coming from kindergarten or from a walk. The disease is especially dangerous for children under two years of age due to its severe course. Only a doctor can confirm an accurate diagnosis after examination and testing.

Type A virus affects the skin and mucous membranes, causing sore throat and meningitis. Many patients experience conjunctivitis with swelling and redness of the eyes. The upper respiratory tract is affected, there may be vesicular stomatitis, accompanied

Another type of virus B is even more dangerous. The infection penetrates the pleura, heart, liver, causes inflammation of the heart muscle, cardiac sac or pericarditis, inflammation of the liver, pancreas. Pleuralgia may occur when pain appears in the chest area.

Symptoms of a viral disease

Typically, diagnosing the disease in children is somewhat more complicated. It is impossible to recognize the symptoms of the coxsackie virus on your own, since they resemble the manifestations of other common ones. Children under 3 months rarely get sick, because immunity is passed from mother to child, especially since mother’s milk protects infants. After the age of 10 years, cases of the disease are also rarely recorded.

The second name for the virus is “hands-foot-mouth”, since small red blisters appear in these places. At the very beginning of the disease, rashes are located on the palms and soles of children, between the fingers and toes, in the mouth on the mucous membrane and around the lips.

The dots on the body are small in size and appear on the 2nd or 3rd day of fever, and may also be accompanied by severe itching. In addition to the legs and arms, acne is localized on the buttocks, genitals, back and abdomen. All these first signs lead to the child becoming restless, capricious, refusing to drink and eat, and sleeping poorly.

The following symptoms subsequently develop:

• body temperature rises sharply to high levels, about 40°;
• children get tired quickly;
• general intoxication and fever;
• severe sore throat;
• headache and muscle pain;
• stool disorder.

In young children, sometimes you can hear rumbling in the stomach and vomiting. Although the child often refuses food, he should be given as much water as possible, and infants should be given breastfeeding, since breast milk contains immunoglobulins. All symptoms in childhood disappear within 2 or 3 days. Severe itching and mouth ulcers require urgent treatment, as does a fever during a virus attack.

How contagious is the disease?

The virus is highly contagious and is transmitted in almost 100% of cases by close contact with a sick person or his personal belongings. In adults, clear symptoms of the disease are extremely rare. The younger the child, the more difficult it is for him to survive the infection due to the weak defense of the immune system. The virus can live on household items or clothing of a sick child for about a week at normal temperatures. If the infection gets into a children's group, then with a probability of up to 80% many children will get sick.

The duration of the incubation period is from 4 to 6 days. Because the virus thrives in moist environments, more cases are reported in the fall and spring. Even after the child’s acute symptoms of the disease have passed, the virus is excreted along with feces and saliva for another two months, so others need to be careful.

The disease is less common among adults, but cases of infection, of course, exist. In addition, the virus can be transmitted in utero from mother to child, mainly in the last third trimester. Even if the newborn shows signs of illness, they will quickly pass without any consequences for the small organism. Pregnant women need to be even more careful about their hygiene and wash their hands after visiting public places.

Features of coxsackie enterovirus

The signs of the disease in the initial stages are easily confused with ARVI, but then the characteristic symptoms of enterovirus appear. The pathogen is not affected by treatment with alcohol; it does not die at ambient temperatures. The virus is eliminated by ultraviolet irradiation, 3% formaldehyde solution and exposure to high temperature. The virus does not react to the acidic environment of the stomach or perchloric acid solution.

It actively multiplies in the intestines of a sick person, which can cause vomiting and nausea in children and adults when affected by the coxsackie virus. An important point is that breast milk has a detrimental effect on enterovirus, which is why cases of the disease in infants are less common. If an infant is infected, the symptoms of the disease are much weaker than in formula-fed or older children.

How does a viral disease progress?

Coxsackie enterovirus infection has more than one form, and its symptoms depend on the method of entry of the pathogen into the body. The course of the infectious process also differs from other types of viral damage to the body. The disease has four forms in children.

Flu-like form

The mildest type of coxsackie virus is the pathogen that causes influenza-like illness. The infection process goes away on average after 3 days. The child’s body temperature immediately rises to 38-39°, the throat hurts and then a rash appears. This type of disease does not have serious consequences and passes faster than all others.

Intestinal infection

Viral particles of types A and B cause the intestinal form of the disease. At the same time, the temperature rises, headache and muscle pain appear, and the child becomes lethargic. Intestinal disorders immediately appear, including diarrhea up to 7 times a day and vomiting. In young children, in addition to diarrhea, there is redness of the throat, cough, and runny nose. The disease is often confused with poisoning or a cold. The body of school-age children will cope with the virus in a few days, while a child under 2-3 years old will need at least a week to do this.

Boston syndrome

If babies have a lot of red blisters on their bodies, most likely the coxsackie virus is expressed in the form of Boston disease. Children under 5 years of age are very vulnerable to this virus. The infection stays in the body for about 5 days. The disease is characterized by an increase in temperature up to 40°.

Bronholm disease

The fourth form of the coxsackievirus leads to broncholamina disease or pleurodynia. In such cases, children experience high fever for 3 days, muscle soreness, pain and spasms in the sternum, and pimples around the navel. The attack of spasm lasts up to 20 minutes; it is more difficult for the child to endure it while moving. True, this type of disease is very rare.

Modern treatment

In children and adults, symptomatic therapy is mainly carried out. Signs of the disease appear in the first days of the disease, the doctor immediately prescribes a course of treatment.

Reducing temperature in children

The first step is to reduce high temperatures in children; for this purpose, children's syrup Nurofen, Panadol, and Cefekon suppositories containing paracetamol are used. Ibuprofen is suitable for children from 3 months and weighing more than five kilograms. An antipyretic should be given to children no more than 4 times a day.

Reduce itching

The disease in young children is accompanied by severe itching, so drugs that will relieve it cannot be avoided. Adults are prescribed suprastin and other antihistamines; fenistil gel, suprastin in the form of tablets or solution are suitable for children's skin. It is recommended to treat the delicate skin of babies by special means, for example, Vitaon Baby, which contains natural vegetable oils, vitamins and biologically active components that have an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect.

Reducing mouth pain

The mucous membranes in the oral cavity are constantly damaged, and saliva is released in large quantities. In this case, it is better to turn the baby’s head to the right or left side so that he does not choke on saliva. If the mouth is affected, it will be very difficult to eat, so you need to give your baby more cool drinks and lubricate the sores with special products.

Antacids Relzer, Maalox and others are suitable for eliminating painful sensations in the oral cavity. For a baby, the optimal gel for relieving pain during teething, which is available in any mother’s medicine cabinet. It can be applied to every wound or sore. Chamomile decoction, furatsilin solution, and saline solution are suitable for rinsing for older children. If the symptoms of general intoxication are accompanied by inflammation of the throat, then lozenges and special sprays are used.

To prevent bacterial infection from joining the rash, the wounds are lubricated with an antiseptic solution of brilliant green or fucorcin. Enterovirus affects the child’s immune system, so it is necessary to give the body vitamin and mineral complexes to support its strength. Nootropic drugs are also prescribed to restore impaired metabolic processes in the patient’s body.

In severe cases, interferon preparations are indicated, including immunomodulators: Viferon, Cycloferon.

Children are less likely to experience intestinal disorders in the form of diarrhea or vomiting, but if a child goes to the toilet 6-7 times a day and feels sick, rehydration solutions, for example, rehydron, should be given. Antibiotics are not prescribed because they will not be able to fight the virus. If children develop various complications, only then can the doctor recommend antibiotic therapy.

In an adult, the viral infection clears up after three days and he can return to work. The younger the child, the longer the treatment period will be. The rash goes away within 10 days, and other symptoms are determined by the individual characteristics of the body.

The manifestation of symptoms depends on the person’s health status, proper treatment and a timely visit to a specialist. If on the third day the patient’s condition, despite the prescribed treatment, worsens and signs of meningitis or paralysis appear, you should immediately seek help.

Coxsackie enterovirus is dangerous because it is similar to other intestinal infections or the common cold, which is why the correct diagnosis is often not made immediately. The sooner the disease can be identified and therapy initiated, the lower the risk of complications on the liver and heart in children.

When a person with a virus appears in the family, you should give him separate dishes and bed linen, and keep the house clean and tidy. By following simple rules and consulting a doctor on time, you can prevent complications of the disease and significantly ease its course.

The Coxsackie virus belongs to the enterovirus family (intestinal viruses). It is an RNA virus. It was first isolated in the USA in 1950.

Today, the Coxsackie virus is divided into two groups - virus A and B, each of which contains serogroups that differ in antigenic properties. They are quite stable in the environment, but are sensitive to the action of sunlight and solutions of disinfectants (bleach, chloramine), which destroy them almost instantly. When boiling water they die within 20 minutes.

Children aged three to 10 years are susceptible to infection; infection most often occurs at four to six years of age. This infection is common in countries with temperate climates, where the incidence is higher in summer and autumn. After an infection, stable immunity is not formed.

Coxsackie virus is the causative agent of hand-foot-mouth syndrome (or enteroviral vesicular stomatitis with exanthema) - a symptom complex consisting of damage to the oral mucosa - enanthema and the appearance of a rash on the upper and lower extremities - exanthema.

The incubation period from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first signs of the syndrome lasts four to seven days.

Mostly the Coxsackie virus manifests itself as intestinal dysfunction, diarrhea, general intoxication and a characteristic rash. The course of the infectious process in general, but there are cases of complications.

A person can become infected from another sick person, and often from a virus carrier. People often catch the infection in hotels in Turkey, Cyprus or other holiday destinations. The Coxsackie virus, like the influenza virus, is transmitted by airborne droplets. The second way of entry into the body is nutritional. Shared utensils and dirty hands can become a source of infection. Infection from unwashed fruits and vegetables is possible. The most likely way the virus enters the body is through the upper respiratory tract.

Depending on the predominant localization of the virus, the disease can develop in different directions.

Flu-like form

It is called summer flu or three-day fever. This is the mildest course of the disease. The symptoms of the disease are very similar to ARVI. The period of infection development is about three to four days. The body temperature can rise to 39-40˚ C, but in a short time everything passes without consequences, and the child recovers.

Enteroviral exanthema

The main distinguishing feature of this form is a rash on the arms, chest and head. The bubbles that appear burst and form crusts. In these places, the skin may peel and flake off. At the same time, the child’s body temperature rises. This manifestation of the disease is often confused with rubella or chickenpox. But it passes, like the flu-like form, quite quickly - from three to five days and without consequences.

Herpangina

The incubation period for such an infection is one to two weeks. In this case, the virus infects the mucous membrane of the pharynx. Signs of the disease: high fever, weakness, sore throat. Although this form is called angina, there are no symptoms of the usual form of tonsillitis. The condition is aggravated by headache. The lymph nodes may become enlarged and a runny nose may develop. Unlike classic sore throat, bubbles with liquid appear on the mucous membrane of the tonsils and oral cavity. After a while they burst. Upon examination, you can observe a cluster of small erosions covered with a white coating. The disease is even more similar to stomatitis than to a sore throat. All symptoms disappear in about a week.

Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis

It develops at lightning speed - no more than two days pass from the moment of infection to the first signs. This form of infection is characterized by a feeling of sand in the eyes, pain, photophobia, lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, numerous hemorrhages, and purulent discharge from the eyes. Usually one eye is affected first, then symptoms appear in the other eye. At the same time, the patient feels relatively well. The illness lasts for two weeks.

Intestinal form

Symptoms are typical for intestinal infections: dark diarrhea (up to eight times a day), vomiting. The condition is aggravated by abdominal pain and fever. In young children, in addition to intestinal symptoms, a runny nose and sore throat may begin. Typically, diarrhea lasts from one to three days, complete restoration of intestinal functions occurs after 10-14 days.

Poliomyelitis-like form

All manifestations are similar to polio. But unlike it, paralysis develops at lightning speed, it is not so severe, the affected muscles recover quickly. With this form, as with others, all the classic symptoms of infection with the Coxsackie virus may be observed: rash, fever, diarrhea.

Hepatitis

The Coxsackie virus can attack liver cells, which increase in size, and there is a feeling of heaviness in the right side.

Pleurodynia

The disease manifests itself in the form of muscle lesions. When the virus settles in the muscles, myositis develops. Pain is noted in different parts of the body. Very often, painful manifestations are localized in the intercostal muscles. In this case, breathing may be difficult, but the pleura is not damaged. When walking or performing any other movements, the pain intensifies. Usually they are wavy in nature (repeated after a certain period of time). This form is quite rare.

Heart problems

Endocarditis, pericarditis, and myocarditis may develop. Chest pain and weakness are noted. The disease develops when infected with type B viruses. A very severe form. Blood pressure may drop, temperature may rise, and the child constantly wants to sleep. Manifestations of tachycardia, shortness of breath, arrhythmia, edema and liver enlargement are also common.

Serous meningitis

In another way, this type of meningitis is called viral, as it occurs as a result of a viral infection. It can be caused by various viruses, including the Coxsackie virus.

In general, infection with the Coxsackie virus occurs without complications. But in some cases the disease has consequences.

To date, no vaccine has been obtained for the Coxsackie virus, as well as for other enteroviruses. The only prevention is personal hygiene. It is advisable for the child to spend less time in crowded places, especially during the epidemic period.

The material was prepared based on information from open sources

Coxsackievirus is an enterovirus that causes infectious diseases in humans. Coxsackievirus infection can occur in various clinical variants and requires timely diagnosis and adequate therapy.

Treatment of Coxsackievirus infection is the process of selecting and using medications, without which it will be extremely difficult for the body to cope with viruses. Representatives of the Coxsackie enterovirus group, entering the human body, are localized in different tissues and organs, where they multiply and then spread throughout the body. Pathogens enter the body through the upper respiratory tract or through the mouth. The disease manifests itself in various syndromes and disturbances in the functioning of the heart, liver, upper respiratory tract, brain, skeletal muscles, peripheral nervous system, changes in the skin and mucous membranes.

The study of this group of viruses has revealed general concept about what they are, what symptoms they provoke, what consequences they can cause.

There is somewhat less scientifically based information on the issue of treatment and prevention. However, timely consultation with a doctor is almost always a guarantee that the disease will pass quickly and will not cause harm to your general health. This is especially relevant for the reason that there is currently no vaccine against Coxsackievirus infection, which makes preventive vaccinations impossible. In addition, outbreaks of the disease have recently become more frequent in some resort countries; for example, the summer of 2017 was not very favorable in this regard for tourists in Turkey, and news about the Turkish Coxsackie virus has been heating up the situation among the population for a long time.

Nevertheless, the disease can be quite successfully combated if it is identified in time and correctly.

Diagnosis of the disease

The general clinical picture of the disease is very diverse and has many manifestations due to the tropism of the virus to most human tissues and organs. Clinical diagnosis is difficult, therefore, in addition to external manifestations, test data play an important role in making a diagnosis: general blood test, urine, feces; blood test for the presence of antibodies; cerebrospinal fluid examination; PCR analysis to identify the pathogen in blood, feces or urine, followed by genotyping.

Doctors emphasize that the earlier the diagnosis is made and the correct diagnosis is established, the easier it will be to treat the infection. Moreover, the chance that it will be defeated quickly and will not recur is much higher than in other cases.

Sources of virus isolation include patients with severe clinical manifestations of the disease and asymptomatic carriers of the virus. Considering that transmission capabilities are the two most common and easily accomplished paths of all possible ways transmission of the infectious principle - airborne droplets and fecal-oral - the probability of becoming infected is quite high, in children under 10 years of age it is often higher than in adults. Stable specific immunity is not developed after a previous illness, but some antibodies to it remain in the blood for a long time.

In case of airborne infection, viral particles from the first days of the disease can be detected in secretions from the nasopharynx; in the case of alimentary infection, the pathogen is localized in the intestines and begins to multiply there, and during the entire incubation period it can be released into the environment. There is also a transplacental method of infection - newborns are susceptible to it.

Children under six months usually get sick the least often if there was no infection in the womb - this is explained by the presence of maternal immunity. A child between one and 10 years of age is at risk. However, the disease also affects adults, and susceptibility to infection is partly influenced by the level of the body’s own resistance.

Treatment of infection: general characteristics of the technique

There is currently no etiotropic therapy aimed specifically at the causative agents of the Coxsackie virus. The course of treatment is usually carried out at home and is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the diseases caused by the virus. Patients with severe forms are subject to mandatory hospitalization.

During the entire period of acute manifestations of infection, the patient requires bed rest. Dietary restrictions are minor - you need to eat in accordance with your age needs and your own preferences, excluding fatty, fried, spicy foods. Additional intake of vitamin-mineral complexes and drinking plenty of fluids is indicated.

High temperatures must be reduced with antipyretics.

Serous meningitis and meningoencephalitis are indications for emergency hospitalization and infusion therapy. For diagnostic purposes, the patient undergoes a lumbar puncture, after which, as a rule, relief occurs due to a decrease in tension in the spinal cord canal. Patients are prescribed detoxification therapy intravenously, drugs are used to maintain brain cells (nootropics), and according to indications, patients receive cardiovascular drugs, anticoagulants, and electrolyte solutions. When carrying out massive intravenous therapy, monitoring of diuresis is mandatory.

Newborns with severe forms of manifestations are given immunomodulators, corticosteroids, plasma, albumin.

Treatment with antibiotics specifically against the Coxsackie virus is ineffective, however, if a secondary bacterial infection appears against the general picture of the disease (pneumonia, otitis and other diseases), they are also prescribed.

How to treat Coxsackievirus infection in children

If suspicious symptoms are detected in a child, complaints of poor health, refusal to eat, characteristic rashes around the mouth, on the palms and soles, it is recommended to show the baby to a pediatrician. It is very likely that treatment will take place at home, but it is better to entrust the determination of the treatment regimen to a doctor.

It is necessary to constantly take warm drinks, since the virus is mostly localized in the intestines, and thus it will gradually be washed out from there. The room where the patient is located must be regularly ventilated. A sick child constantly releases viruses into the environment, and the supply of fresh air will help reduce the concentration of the infectious agent.

It is important to avoid drafts.

It is imperative to pay attention to the baby’s diet - during the period of illness, food should be especially nutritious and contain the necessary vitamins and minerals. You can introduce vitamin and mineral complexes into your diet. If a child has severely damaged oral cavity with wounds and ulcers, he should be given warm liquid and semi-liquid food.

The treatment regimen is prescribed in accordance with the clinical picture of the symptoms of the disease:

• Antipyretic drugs help reduce high fever;
• in severe cases, when tablets and syrups do not bring down the temperature, an injection of diphenhydramine with analgin and papaverine is given in a dosage of 0.1 ml per 1 year of the child’s life;
• in case of severe intoxication, it is necessary to take absorbent drugs;
• if the infection has become severe, immunomodulators and antiviral drugs are prescribed;
• special antiseptic liquids are suitable for treating skin (wounds, crusts, ulcers and papules);
• if there is severe itching and rash, it is necessary to take antihistamines to prevent bacterial infection of the wounds due to constant scratching;
• lesions of the oral cavity are effectively treated with special antibacterial and healing rinses.

Treatment regimen for detection of Coxsackievirus infection in adults

Treatment of infection in adults is not fundamentally different from the approach used in children. Bed rest is also recommended for them until the first acute signs of intoxication and high temperature go away, which should be reduced with antipyretics only if the thermometer shows more than 38.5 degrees, or if temperature is poorly tolerated. Plenty of fluids and nutrition are prescribed to ensure that the body receives all the necessary minerals, vitamins and nutrients.

In cases where rashes and itching bother you, you can take antihistamines, and treat the skin elements themselves with special antiseptics containing anesthetics. In severe cases of the disease, severe intoxication, and the presence of chronic diseases, hospitalization is sometimes required. In a hospital setting, intensive infusion therapy is carried out, additional examinations are carried out and the patient is under constant supervision of medical personnel.

For example, meningitis and encephalitis are indications for prescribing:

• uregitis, mannitol (to reduce cerebral edema);
• rheopolyglucin and glucose (therapy against intoxication);
• trental and pirocetam (help improve cerebral circulation);
• multivitamin complexes.

All these drugs are administered strictly under the supervision of doctors in a hospital setting.

Medicines prescribed to fight the virus

The most basic areas of treatment for the Coxsackie virus are those that help cope with the main symptoms: rashes, itching, fever and, in fact, viral activity. Such medications are antihistamines, local antiseptics and antivirals.

Prescribing antihistamines against itching and inflammation of the skin

Typically, such medications are prescribed to children, since adults are less bothered by itching, and besides, it is still easier for an adult to pull himself together and endure the inconvenience than for a child. Scratching wounds can lead to the addition of bacterial flora and local inflammation.

To relieve itching use:

1. Loratadine: has a pronounced antihistamine and antipruritic effect, helps relieve swelling.
2. Tavegil: active ingredient – ​​clemastine hydrofumarade, a blocker of histamine H-1 receptors, helps relieve itching, reduce allergic reactions, has a sedative effect, inhibits the formation of edema, is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
3. Suprastin: antiallergic agent, reduces the development of allergies and itching, has an antiemetic effect, approved for use by children from 1 month.
4. Erius: the active ingredient is desloratadine, does not cause a sedative effect, has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Local antiseptics for the treatment of skin defects and wounds

If the body is affected by the Coxsackie virus, the wounds and papules that appear on the skin and mucous membranes are, in fact, “reservoirs” that also contain the infection, so it makes sense to fight it directly, by treating the wounds with special means. For these purposes, doctors recommend:

1. Miramistin: a solution with pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, reduces itching on the affected areas of the skin.
2. Octenisept, Stomatidin, Hexoral: can be used to treat the skin and mucous membranes in children, used for rinsing, and promote wound healing.
3. Furacilin: the substance is used for rinsing the mouth and for lubricating the skin.
4. Iodine, “green stuff”, Fukartsin.
5. Oak bark decoction: has a healing effect and a slight antiseptic effect due to the content of tannins.
6. Lollipops for sore throat: resorption helps relieve pain and heal wounds.

Antiviral drugs

If the patient’s first signs of relief do not occur within 2-4 days, doctors recommend introducing immunomodulators and antiviral agents into the treatment regimen:

1. Amiksin: the drug has a wide spectrum of action, the active substance stimulates the formation of all types of interferons in the body.
2. Gamma globulin: prescribed for children with weakened immune systems, in case of severe infection, as well as for prevention in case of contact with an infected person.
3. Ribonuclease: helps partially destroy the RNA of the virus.
4. Viferon, Immunoflazid, Arbidol: active immunomodulators, effective from the first day of infection.

Some doctors prescribe antiviral therapy with Acyclovir, but this drug acts on herpes viruses and is ineffective against Coxsackie enteroviruses.

Possible consequences of the disease

Coxsackie enteroviruses are insidious not only because they can be easily confused with dozens of other pathogens and infections due to the similarity of symptoms. The danger also lies in the fact that the outcome of the disease may be different, including the possibility of complications:

• serous and aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis - inflammation of brain cells and meninges with impaired sensitivity and the appearance of muscle rigidity, swelling of the face, may be accompanied by vomiting and convulsions, headaches, impaired consciousness;
• diabetes mellitus;
• in infants - tonsillitis with enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
• hepatitis, accompanied by an enlarged liver and pain in the right side;
• inflammation of the heart muscle, heart sac, inner lining of the heart (myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis);
• hemorrhagic conjunctivitis.

How can the body survive infection?

Usually, subject to timely application for medical consultation, the most likely outcome of the disease will be positive. If the infection is easily tolerated, after 2-3 days the adult will feel significant relief and will be able to return to their normal lifestyle, but with some restrictions. For example, at first, a gentle work regime is recommended, as well as avoidance of active physical activity. Some severe forms of infection, such as encephalitis, require up to 6-8 weeks to recover.

Children may need up to 2 weeks to completely overcome mild forms of the disease and restore the body's resources. In case of serious infection by the virus, the recovery process will take up to several months.

As a result of the disease, a person can completely recover from the virus, or remain a virus carrier if the viral particles in the cells and organs are not completely destroyed.

Preventive and rehabilitation measures to combat the virus

No specific measures have been developed to prevent infection. During epidemics, the degree of infection is high, especially among children, since the infection literally “sticks” to children and adults. Re-infection is not excluded, although in this case the disease progresses more easily.

Compliance with hygiene standards is the main direction of preventive measures. It is necessary to teach children and themselves to follow the rules of cleanliness, wash their hands before eating, and eat only thoroughly washed fruits and vegetables.

Contact with sick people is prohibited. This is especially true for children who attend kindergartens and schools, because, as you know, one infected child in a group or class is enough for more than half of the team to get sick in a couple of days.

Mild forms of diseases caused by the Coxsackie virus do not require rehabilitation measures and activities. Rehabilitation may be necessary only after severe forms: serous meningitis or meningoencephalitis.

During the recovery period, a high-calorie diet is needed to return expended energy reserves to the body. A gentle regime of work and rest is established until the rehabilitation processes are completely completed. Active physical activity and training are prohibited for six months after the illness, and children are not allowed to attend physical education classes. Vaccination is also prohibited at this time.

Doctors prescribe courses of multivitamins for at least 3 months.

The Coxsackie virus has recently become active again in Eastern European countries, as well as in resort countries - Cyprus and Turkey. There has been an increase in morbidity in children, as well as an increase in cases of repeated infections.

Treatment methods depend entirely on which organs the virus has affected. In some cases, mandatory hospitalization is indicated, but most often it is enough to call a doctor at home, adhere to bed and drinking regime, and eliminate symptoms. To alleviate the patient's condition, antihistamines, antipyretics, absorbent drugs, disinfectant and healing solutions with a tanning effect, as well as drugs that restore the water-salt and mineral balance of the body are used.

In severe cases of the disease, intensive therapy in a hospital setting is indicated.

Photo: Stephanie Frey/Rusmediabank.ru

This summer, our media, without saying a word, are loudly trumpeting the dangers of holidays in Turkey due to a massive outbreak of the disease caused by the Coxsackie virus. Many tourists, even if they have not encountered manifestations of this disease on vacation, thanks to the incubation period of the disease, often bring this “joy” home and get sick at their place of residence, infecting more and more people who have been in contact with the sick people. The most unpleasant thing about this disease is that it mainly affects children aged 2 to 10 years; adults get sick much less often. To figure out whether “the devil is as terrible as he is painted,” we had to conduct a whole mini-investigation, studying the medical-theoretical part of the issue and asking for the opinions of victims of the harmful virus. Having summarized the information received, I would like to offer you a brief summary on this matter.

Firstly, type "Coxsackie virus" have been known for quite a long time. A similar virus was first isolated and described back in 1950 during an outbreak of a disease in children resembling a mild form of polio in an American town Coxsackie, hence the name. Currently, there are more than 30 similar intestinal viruses, which are divided into groups A and B depending on the clinical manifestations of the disease and the location of lesions in patients.

Both types of viruses enter the human body through the mucous membranes of the mouth and intestines, which is accompanied by febrile state with high temperature, rash of various locations, upper respiratory tract diseases, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. After the virus enters the bloodstream, infection also occurs nerve cells. In people with weakened immune systems, skin rashes can spread to the thighs, buttocks, genitals, and involve the scalp and ears. It is also possible to develop eczema coxsackie» – severe extensive skin lesions with the formation of blisters with serous or serous-purulent contents.

However group A viruses usually called herpangina, stomatitis And acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, while group B viruses can additionally infect the heart, pancreas, liver and pleura, causing the development myo- and pericarditis, hepatitis, pleurisy And pleurodynia(inflammation of the pectoral intercostal muscles). In rare cases, infection with both groups of viruses can result in inflammation of the meninges such as meningitis And meningoencephalitis(which, by the way, can be observed in many other viral and bacterial infections) and the phenomena partial paralysis of the legs, reminiscent of the symptoms of polio, which, unlike true polio, are fortunately reversible. Boys may sometimes develop orchitis(inflammation of the testicles), and the course of the disease sometimes resembles mononucleosis (damage to the throat and spleen).

There is also a hypothesis that infection with group B Coxsackievirus may further contribute to the development of insulin-dependent diabetes, however, this relationship has not been conclusively confirmed.

The current activity of the Coxsackie virus in Turkey is by no means extraordinary news: our vacationers have previously been infected with similar enteroviruses during trips to Cyprus, Goa, Thailand and other resort regions with a hot climate, including within our country. Outbreaks of the disease caused by the Coxsackie virus have also been recorded in temperate climate zones, especially in preschool institutions. Another thing is that such cases did not receive such wide publicity, not like in our time of the Internet and the dominance social networks. In addition, as sad as it is to state, many of our ordinary local pediatricians and therapists simply do not know how to diagnose infection with the Coxsackie virus - patients are given all sorts of diagnoses, from ARVI to allergies, in addition to the true cause of the disease.

In medical slang, a disease caused by Coxsackie viruses is often called "hand-foot-mouth syndrome" according to the typical localization of the main features.

Coxsackievirus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted from person to person airborne, alimentary(through food), contact-household And water-fecal route, you can become infected with the virus both from a sick person and from a virus carrier. There are isolated cases of transplacental infection, when the virus is transmitted from mother to child. All the patient's secretions are contagious:

The incubation period from the moment of infection with the Coxsackie virus can last from 1-2 days to a week, and sometimes up to 10 days, depending on the type of virus; a person becomes contagious from the moment the first signs of the disease appear and sometimes remains so for some time after their disappearance. In the external environment, these viruses are quite stable, but they are sensitive to ultraviolet radiation; when boiled, they die within 20 minutes, and when using chlorine-containing disinfectants, they die almost instantly.

Most often, the Coxsackie virus provokes the development of the disease in children of preschool and primary school age; adults get sick much less often.

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Also at risk are people with or taking immune-suppressing drugs (for example, after an organ transplant). But newborns up to 6 months get sick extremely rarely; their maternal immunity is still “working.”

The first signs of infection with the Coxsackie virus are very similar to the manifestations of “intestinal flu”: patients have a sharp rise in temperature, which is difficult to control and can remain at 39-40 C for several days. Along with catarrhal symptoms, headache and muscle pain, general weakness, patients complain of nausea, bloating and pain in the stomach and intestines, vomiting and severe diarrhea are possible.

In the mildest form of the disease, a rash on the mucous membranes and skin may not appear at all, but in most cases, rashes are observed on the tongue, mucous membranes of the mouth, tonsils and pharynx, followed by the development of stomatitis or sore throat. Rashes on the skin of the face around the mouth and nose, on the palms and soles are also characteristic,

en.wikipedia.org

Moreover, the medical literature claims that there is no itching when infected with the Coxsackie virus, while people who have suffered from this disease often complain not only of unbearable itching in the area of ​​the rash, which interferes with sleep, but also of accompanying severe pain: “it feels like something has been crushed in the throat.” glass”, “a feeling of razor fragments in the throat, it is impossible to swallow”, “when trying to stand on my feet, my feet hurt as if thousands of needles were piercing them.” Some patients also note that after the rash on the fingers and toes disappears, the nails completely or partially come off.

If there is a sharp increase in temperature and severe headache, you should consult a doctor who will check for neck stiffness to rule out meningitis. Diagnosis of Coxsackie virus infection is carried out based on the presence of a complex of concomitant manifestations of the disease in the patient (fever, catarrhal symptoms, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and others). Laboratory studies, including determination of the virus in nasopharyngeal swabs and feces of a patient using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or serological testing aimed at determining the activity of antibodies to the virus in the blood, are quite expensive and time-consuming, therefore, in the absence of mass cases of the disease, as a rule, , are not carried out.

There is no vaccine against the Coxsackie virus . There is also no specific treatment for this disease - in case of severe disease, doctors use And antiviral drugs, however, their effectiveness in this case has not been proven; in general, the body must cope with the infection itself. To prevent secondary bacterial complications, the doctor may prescribe a course antibiotics.

The patient is prescribed bed rest, a gentle diet with plenty of fluids. Medications are used to reduce fever paracetamol And ibuprofen. In case of stomatitis and sore throat, rinses are used antiseptic solutions, throat sprays, skin rashes are treated fucorcin or brilliant green. In case of severe dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, the patient is given a solution to drink Regidrona.

Improvement in the patient's condition usually occurs within 2-3 days from the onset of signs of the disease. If the patient’s health worsens, the doctor may insist on hospitalization. In general, the prognosis for infection with the Coxsackie virus is favorable.

Prevention of infection with the Coxsackie virus includes careful adherence to personal hygiene rules, frequent hand washing, especially after using the toilet. It is advisable to avoid large crowds of people; you should not swim in the pool – children’s “paddling pools” can be especially dangerous in this regard. It is necessary to wash fruits and vegetables well, observe the temperature conditions for cooking, and, if possible, avoid sharing utensils with strangers.

Good health to everyone!