EAST COLORADO SPRINGS - Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Dr. Alan Garscadden with Colorado Springs Health Partners says, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is hitting pretty hard.

It is often confused with Foot-and-Mouth disease of cattle, sheep and swine. Although the names are similar, the two diseases are not related at all and are caused by different viruses.

The illness in children begins with a mild fever, poor appetite and frequently a sore throat.

One or two days after the fever begins, painful sores develop in the mouth. Then a skin rash develops, usually on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is very contagious and there is no treatment.

You can help control the fever and pain with over the counter medicines.

SUMMER HEALTH TIP - Water and Pool Safety

Dr. John Voth with CSHP offers a health tip about water and pool safety.

Summertime means fun at the pool, the lake, and the water park, and being safe in the water is as important as wearing a helmet while bike riding, or using a car seat when traveling. Drowning often happens quickly and quietly, with little noise to alert parents that the child is in danger. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends formal swimming lessons are appropriate at age 4.

Supervision and safety tips:
· Never leave a child unattended in or near water - even for just a minute. Answering the phone, reading, or doing chores is too distracting. Leaving a child unattended for less than 5 minutes can be too long to prevent an accident.

· If several children are in the water, be sure there are several supervisors charged with watching over them. Supervisors should stay within an arm's length of any child who cannot swim.

· "Swimmies" and other plastic play floats do not provide adequate protection. Do not rely on these to keep your child safe.

· Even small amounts of water, such as in a kiddie pool or bathtub, can pose a risk. Young children can drown in less than 2 inches of water.

· Remove toys from the pool when the children are finished so that they are not tempted to try to retrieve them later.