Coxsackie A virus facts for kids

Coxsackie A virus is a tiny germ, also known as a virus, that can make people sick. It's a common cause of illnesses like Hand, foot, and mouth disease, Herpangina, and Bornholm disease. This virus belongs to a group of viruses called Picornaviridae, which are known for being very small.

What is Coxsackie A Virus?

Coxsackie A virus is part of the enterovirus family. Enteroviruses are viruses that often live in the human digestive system. They are very common, especially in children. There are many different types of Coxsackie A viruses, and each one can cause slightly different symptoms.

How Does it Spread?

Coxsackie A viruses spread easily from person to person. The main ways they spread are:

• Through tiny drops from a sick person's coughs or sneezes.
• By touching surfaces that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
• Through contact with an infected person's poop, especially if hands are not washed well after using the bathroom or changing diapers. This is called the fecal-oral route.

The virus can live on surfaces for a while, making it easy to pick up. Children in daycares or schools often get these viruses because they are in close contact.

What Illnesses Does it Cause?

Coxsackie A virus is known for causing several common childhood illnesses. Most of these are mild and go away on their own.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

This is one of the most common illnesses caused by Coxsackie A virus.

• Symptoms: It causes a fever, sore throat, and a rash. The rash often looks like small, red spots or blisters.
• Where it appears: These spots usually show up on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.
• Who gets it: It's most common in young children, but older kids and adults can get it too.

Herpangina

Herpangina is another illness caused by Coxsackie A virus, mainly affecting the mouth and throat.

• Symptoms: It causes a sudden high fever and a very sore throat.
• What it looks like: Small, painful blisters or ulcers appear on the back of the throat, on the tonsils, and on the roof of the mouth.
• Difference from strep: Unlike strep throat, Herpangina is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

Bornholm Disease

Also known as epidemic pleurodynia, Bornholm disease is less common but can be quite painful.

• Symptoms: It causes sudden, severe chest or upper belly pain. This pain can come and go in waves.
• What it affects: The pain comes from inflammation of the muscles in the chest wall or the lining of the lungs.
• Other symptoms: People might also have a fever, headache, and feel tired.

Other Possible Issues

While most Coxsackie A infections are mild, some types can cause other problems, though these are rare. For example, some Coxsackie A viruses can cause a type of conjunctivitis (pink eye) called acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. This causes red, watery, and painful eyes. In very rare cases, these viruses can affect the heart or the brain, but this is not common for the types that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease.

How to Prevent Infection

Preventing the spread of Coxsackie A virus is similar to preventing other common germs.

• Wash hands often: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating.
• Avoid touching face: Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect shared surfaces and toys, especially in places where children play.
• Stay home when sick: If you or your child are sick, stay home from school or work to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine to cure Coxsackie A virus infections. Treatment focuses on making the person feel more comfortable while their body fights off the virus.

• Rest: Getting enough rest helps the body recover.
• Fluids: Drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated, especially if there's a fever or sore throat.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help with fever and pain.
• Sore throat relief: For a sore throat, cold drinks, popsicles, or soft foods can be soothing.

Most people recover fully from Coxsackie A virus infections within a week or two without any serious problems.

Images for kids

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  A transmission electron microscopic image depicting virions causing acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, primarily caused by two enteroviruses: enterovirus 70, and a variant of coxsackievirus A24.