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New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard was recently placed on the injured list because he contracted foot-and-mouth disease.
This is a short-term infection that is found mainly in children under 5 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
FMD is a common viral disease caused by several types of viruses. It occurs mostly during the summer and early autumn.
How do people get sick?
Outbreaks of HFMD can occur in daycares, schools, or summer camps – wherever people congregate. It is possible that Syndergaard was infected when he was in the group environment of a children's baseball camp last week.
Julie Jacobson / AP One way to pass is like the flu – in the air. A person can get it if she talks with someone who is sick and coughs or sneezes without covering her mouth.
It is also transmitted by coming into close contact with someone who has not washed their hands after using the bathroom.
What are the signs of an infection?
Symptoms usually begin between three and five days after contact with a sick person.
The first signs are usually high fever, decreased appetite, sore throat, and a general feeling of tiredness and discomfort.
Typically, a few days after the fever, painful blisters can be observed in the mouth. This is what is called herpangina if it is the only symptom, which may be the case for some small children.
At the same time, a rash may appear on the hands and feet, and sometimes even on the buttocks in young children. The rash often looks like bright red dots, sometimes with clear blisters, which are contagious and can be painful.
How do doctors treat him?
There is no way to attack the virus itself. The most important thing is hydration and pain control with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, both of which work the same way.
The sores in the mouth can be very painful, and in addition to ice lollies and ice creams to soothe the throat, the "magic mouthwash" can also help children over 4 years old and adults.
The Magic Mouthwash is a mixture of half a teaspoon of antacid liquid – such as Maalox or Mylanta – with half a teaspoon of diphenhydramine (this is the medicine found in Benadryl). After mixing the two together, turn the solution in your mouth and spit it out.
Adults can also use oral anesthetic sprays that relieve pain by numbing the mouth and throat.
If the rash lasts more than two weeks, or if there is only one rash on one side of the body, this may be another medical condition, so see a doctor.
How can one avoid getting sick?
With these common viruses, good hand hygiene is always important.
Remind children to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. Adults should also follow this advice, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers.
Avoid sharing utensils or drinks with someone who is sick.
The good thing is that if someone catches the disease, it does not last more than two weeks.
This is without a doubt a relief for all baseball fans who want to see Syndergaard on the mound soon.
Dr. Stephanie Sophie Lee is a pediatrician and resident of South Carolina Preventive Medicine and a resident of the ABC News Medical Unit.
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