The Coxsackie virus belongs to the family of linear, non-enveloped, positive sense RNA viruses Picornaviridae and the genus Enterovirus that also comprises of Poliovirus and Echovirus.
In general, coxsackie virus infections are common amongst children and the infection is rather rare in adults. Nonetheless, adults are not immune to it. In adults, the virus is known to give rise to ailments such as an itchy rash, conjunctivitis, meningitis, pericarditis and myocarditis.
What Causes Coxsackie Viral Infection In Adults?
Transmission of the virus occurs via fecal-oral contamination, and infrequently the virus may spread by droplets expelled by an infected person. Clothes, napkins, utensils, diaper-changing tables and toys, which come in contact with body fluids that contain the virus, transmit them to others.
Pregnant women can pass the virus to their newborns, which could result in very serious problems for the newborn; hence, pregnant women must inform their obstetrician if they have symptoms of the infection, more so if they are nearing the delivery date.
The risk factors for Coxsackie virus infection are physical contact with one who has the symptoms. The virus can be found in saliva, feces, fluid in blisters, and nasal secretions. Even those who have recovered from the symptoms of the infection and have no clinical features may still shed the infectious virus for weeks, thereby infecting others.
Coxsackie Virus Symptoms In Adults
- By and large, the first presenting feature is sore throat, followed by fever, exhaustion and poor appetite.
- After about 2 days, sore areas develop in the mouth after the first fever; subsequently, small blisters form which tend to ulcerate.
- An itchy rash develops next, usually, on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, as well as on the buttocks and genitals. These symptoms usually last about 7 to 10 days and the person recovers completely.
- Rarely, there may be temporary loss of fingernail or toenail.
- Infrequently, viral meningitis, myocarditis, pericarditis or encephalitis may develop.
Home Remedies For Coxsackie Virus In Adults
There is no definite treatment regimen for the disorder; it is characteristically a self-limiting disease and the symptoms tend to resolve within a week. Nevertheless, symptomatic treatment is recommended to decrease the fever and discomfort.
- Ginger is always beneficial for fever and fatigue. Have 2 to 3 glasses of ginger tea for a week. Boil grated ginger and add 1 spoon of honey to it. Ginger promises to reduce the fever, exhaustion and will ensure that the severe complications do not develop.
- Raisins are another very effective home remedy to manage the symptoms successfully. Soak about 20 raisins in water for half an hour. Thereafter, blend the raisins with the soaked water and consume. Raisins reduce the fever and help you build strength and stamina.
- Mouthwashes and sprays help reduce the oral discomfort.
- Have mint water to allay the mouth sores and ulcers.
- Have lots of fluids to ward off against dehydration, on the other hand, acidic juices will irritate the mouth sores; thus opt for cold milk, it will assuage the oral discomfort.
- The rare complications of Coxsackie virus infections (such as brain or heart infection) need special individualized treatments (human immune globulin or anti-virals) and you must confer with your health care provider.