Hand, Foot, Mouth Virus

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

My son got this virus & I don't remember this going around as a kid. So when did this illness start? It seems everything I had, he doesn't get because there are vaccinations. But now there are new illnesses (RSV & hand foot mouth) that I didn't get. Why is this?

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

You probably did have both, and RSV more than once, but don't remember it. Hand, foot and mouth disease is one of the herpes viruses similar to chicken pox. When my oldest daughter had it in 1980 we thought she had chicken pox, until she really did get chicken pox in 1987. As for RSV, it's been around for a LONG time. For most children and adults it looks like a simple cold. It's only a significant illness for infants, and for children with lung, heart or immune system disorders. Back in the day when my kids were small kids weren't swabbed for respiratory illnesses like they are now, and identification of those viruses wasn't as quick, easy or accurate as it is now.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Healthy children & adults get RSV its typically common cold. Same virus can kill or incapacitate at risk compromised children.

Hand/foot/mouth has been around at least 40 years. But many didn't seek treatment unless painful.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Thank you NotReady4PrimeTime & JustBeachyNurse. That makes so much sense. That's why I love this website!

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