Parent checking thermometer while holding sick child

Along with other kinds of viruses, coxsackieviruses are part of the enterovirus family of viruses that live in the digestive tract. Coxsackieviruses can be spread by a variety of means, including person to person, usually through respiratory droplets that become airborne by sneezing and coughing, as well as unwashed hands. Patients may also become infected after touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus.

In mild cases, coxsackievirus infections cause moderate flu-like symptoms and will usually go away without treatment. However, in some cases, they can lead to more serious infections. Thankfully, proper diagnosis and treatment can help result in a healthy recovery.

Touchpoint Pediatrics, located in Chatham, New Jersey, is proud to offer families comprehensive pediatric care for an assortment of illnesses, including coxsackievirus infections. We aim to provide our patients with personalized care that they can count on. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of the virus along with coxsackievirus treatment offered by our board-certified pediatricians.

What Are the Symptoms of Coxsackievirus?

Signs and symptoms of coxsackievirus infections can vary. While some children display more visible signs, about half of all kids with an infection show no symptoms at all, making it difficult to catch the virus early without proper testing. Those showing signs of coxsackievirus may experience the following symptoms:

  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Belly discomfort
  • Nausea

Coxsackieviruses can lead to more serious medical conditions that affect different parts of the body. Patients may display hand, foot, and mouth disease, which is a common viral infection that causes painful red blisters in the throat and on the tongue, gums, hard palate, inside of the cheeks, and the palms of hands and soles of the feet.

Another possibility can be hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. This infection affects the whites of the eyes, usually begins as eye pain, and is followed quickly by red, watery eyes with swelling, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.

How Is the Virus Diagnosed?

To accurately diagnose coxsackievirus, physicians will begin by conducting a physical examination to better evaluate signs and symptoms. This can involve inspecting the patient’s hands, feet, and inside of the mouth, looking for the rash associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease, as well as sores in the mouth and throat.

Should the physician require additional confirmation, lab work may be administered. In these cases, samples from the patient’s throat, nose, stools, or other areas of the body may be collected and examined.

Coxsackievirus Treatment

Treatment for coxsackieviruses usually depends on the type of infection and symptoms. To help keep patients comfortable, physicians might prescribe medication. Parents should be advised that because antibiotics only work against bacteria, they cannot be used to fight a coxsackievirus infection.

In most simple cases of coxsackieviruses, parents can expect a full recovery after a few days of rest without needing any medical treatment for their little one. Parents should make sure their child consumes plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

For children with fevers lasting more than 24 hours, or those displaying the symptoms of a more serious coxsackievirus infection, parents should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Because there is no vaccination to prevent coxsackievirus infection, consistent hand washing is the best protection.

Medical Care for Toddlers at Touchpoint Pediatrics

For parents, caring for a sick child is a difficult time. Even more so when parents feel like they do not have a trustworthy pediatrician they can turn to for advice and treatment. Touchpoint Pediatrics is proud to offer families reliable and comprehensive healthcare to treat a variety of medical conditions and illnesses.

Committed to providing the best care possible to patients, Touchpoint Pediatrics offers award-winning services to families in need throughout Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and beyond from a central location in Chatham, NJ.

Parents who believe their child is demonstrating symptoms of coxsackievirus can seek comprehensive care from the experienced, board-certified pediatricians at Touchpoint Pediatrics. To learn more about advanced treatments or to schedule an appointment, contact the office today.