During the summer and early fall, we often see children and adolescents with infections caused by the enteroviruses. The commonly used term "enterovirus" includes the coxsackie viruses, the echoviruses, and the enteroviruses. These viruses often cause a fever, and also may cause a rash, respiratory or cold symptoms, and vomiting with diarrhea. Hand-foot-mouth disease, a rash that involves those and/or other areas of the body, is a common enteroviral infection that occurs in children. Severe forms of these infections are uncommon but can cause serious complications. For mild illnesses caused by the enteroviruses, the best treatment is adequate rest, plenty of fluids, and fever control. Please contact the doctors for any compications or concerns.