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Boston fever belongs to the group of infectious diseases of childhood. If a pregnant woman catches it in the first trimester, it can lead to serious complications. How can I contract Boston fever and what are the symptoms?
Boston disease in pregnancy – what is it?
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMS), popularly known as Boston disease, is a viral infectious disease. It is caused by enteroviruses including Coxackie A. Infection occurs through droplet infection. Pregnant women are most commonly infected by their preschool-aged children. Expectant mothers who work in daycare centers or nurseries also have a higher risk of contracting Boston disease. The incubation period of the disease is three to five days. The ill person infects others whenever skin lesions are present. The fever usually resolves after 48 hours, and the skin lesions persist for about 7-10 days. Nail lesions, on the other hand, take much longer to heal.
Boston disease in pregnancy – symptoms
As the name of the disease suggests, the hands, feet and mouth are affected. The typical symptom is a rash on the tongue, palate and mucous membranes of the cheeks, as well as on the palms of the hands and feet. The skin lesions are painful but not itchy. They usually appear 2 days after the fever. A few weeks after the first symptoms appear, nail changes in the form of so-called beau lines may appear, as well as characteristic peeling of the skin on the hands and feet. Some patients also develop symptoms related to the digestive and respiratory systems. Sometimes Boston disease is accompanied by herpes disease, which is due to the same cause of the disease.
Boston fever in pregnancy – is it dangerous?
Boston fever in pregnancy can lead to complications. The most dangerous time to contract the mouth and throat disease is during the first trimester of pregnancy. It can cause birth defects and even miscarriage. The more advanced the pregnancy, the lower the risk of complications. If the infection occurs before the actual birth, the disease can appear in the newborn. Most often, however, the course of Boston disease in the youngest is asymptomatic.
Boston fever in pregnancy – treatment
Treatment of Boston fever is purely symptomatic. Paracetamol can be used for fever in pregnancy. If the lesions in the mouth are painful, hot and acidic meals should be avoided, as these further irritate the affected mucous membranes. Rest is also recommended.
