Coxsackievirus is a virus that belongs to a family of non-enveloped, linear, positive-sense RNA viruses, Picornaviridae and the genus Enterovirus. They are part of the enterovirus family of viruses (which also includes polioviruses, echovirus and hepatitis A that live in the human digestive tract.
They can spread from person to person, usually on unwashed hands and surfaces contaminated by faeces, where they can live for several days. In cooler climates, outbreaks of coxsackievirus infections most often occur in the summer and autumn, though they cause infections year-round in tropical parts of the world.
In most cases, coxsackieviruses cause mild flu-like symptoms and go away without treatment. But in some cases, they can lead to more serious infections. Some infected people may show no symptoms at all whilst others may develop a sudden high fever, headache and muscle aches, sore throat, abdominal discomfort or nausea.
Hand, foot and mouth disease; a type of coxsackievirus syndrome that causes painful red blisters in the throat and on the tongue, gums, hard palate, inside of the cheeks, the palms of hands and soles of the feet.
Herpangina, an infection of the throat which causes red-ringed blisters and ulcers on the tonsils and soft palate, the fleshy back portion of the roof of the mouth.
Haemorrhagic conjunctivitis: is an infection that affects the whites of the eyes. Haemorrhagic conjunctivitis usually begins as eye pain, followed quickly by red, watery eyes with swelling, light sensitivity and blurred vision.
Occasionally, coxsackieviruses can cause more serious infections that requires immediate medical attention, including:
- Encephalitis, a brain infection
- Myocarditis, an infection of the heart muscle
- Viral meningitis, an infection of the meninges (the three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord)
Newborns can be infected from their mothers during or shortly after birth and are more at risk for developing serious infection, including myocarditis, hepatitis, and meningoencephalitis (an inflammation of the brain and meninges). In newborns, symptoms can develop within two weeks after birth.
Natural antiviral remedies
Chinese rhubarb root: The anthraquinones in this herb can create virucidal activity against the polio virus.
For more natural and powerful anti-viral remedies see: Anti-microbial healing plants and foods
It is important to keep the immune system strong by consuming foods that can balance the intestinal flora and provide the nutrients the immune system needs. See>>
- Brine pickling for health
- Feed your friendly bacteria
- Health diet to aid recovery
- Sprouting greens
Related subjects
- A-Z of Ailments
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Liver disorders (Hepatitis)
- Virus infections