Hand, Foot, and Mouth

Benjamin woke up around 5 AM on Saturday with a 104 fever so by 1030 we were in the Dr's office and by 12 we were home with the diagnosis of Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease,  a virus that causes sores on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.  The pediatrician said she has seen so many cases lately as it usually spreads rampant in the summer months.  No doubt Benjamin got it from school as kids 4 and under are the ones who spread it since most adults have built up antibodies to the virus.  Anyway, our sweet Benjamin was absolutely miserable Saturday.  He literally laid on the couch all day or in our arms and only managed to eat a little ice cream as his poor little mouthwas covered in sores.  After a very long night Saturday (he was up every 2 hours) he woke up with fever still on Sunday but was drinking more fluids and eating a little more, although still only ice cream and popsicles.  Luckily his fever broke and by Sunday evening he was drinking and eating lots more and on Monday morning he woke up fever free and I could tell he was definitely starting to feel better.  He was playing and more of himself.  By Monday afternoon he was eating pasta and mashed potatoes.  Benjamin usually attends school on Tuesday and Thursdays but I am going to keep him home tomorrow as the pediatrician said the sores take about 7 days to heal.  Not a fun weekend AT ALL!  I hope this is Benjamin's last go round with this nasty hand, foot, and mouth virus. 

These pictures were on Sunday when he was starting to feel better.