Case of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Q: I’m a 34 year old female who has been in contact with a baby who has hand, foot and mouth disease. Now I have mouth sores on the inside of my cheeks. My concern is the severe headache that I haven’t been able to get rid of for a week. Thanks.
-By Tammy
-By Tammy
Reply:
It is important to see if your headache is accompanied by any kind of neck stiffness, neck pain or dizziness.
Though headache is a very commonly seen symptom in hand, foot and mouth disease that goes away in 7 to 10 days; rarely it may be a sign of viral meningitis (a rare complication of hand, foot and mouth disease). This occurs when the viral infection is not limited to the nose, throat and ear areas but has spread to the meninges (membranes) of the brain.
Headache in this condition is coupled with other symptoms like neck stiffness, neck pain or dizziness. So if you note any such symptoms, report to your doctor.
If it’s just plain headache then you may take over-the-counter pain relievers for it. Sometimes lukewarm water baths also help. Try to sleep well and eat plenty of seasonal fruits. Your headache will gradually go with the illness. Normally it takes around a week or two to get well.
You can read more about Hand, foot and mouth disease to know the details.
Take Care,
Buddy M.D.
