Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that mainly affects children under the age of five.
Why is this important to know? Knowing the symptoms, treatment, and prevention is important for parents and caregivers. Be informed so you can protect your little ones from HFMD and manage it if it happens.
HFMD is highly contagious and common among young children. Knowing the signs early and how to care for an affected child can make a big difference in their recovery.
What You Need to Know About Hand Foot Mouth Disease
HFMD is caused by viruses from the Enterovirus group; coxsackievirus A16 is the most common.
We list some common symptoms below that you should be able to observe and prevention measures. Consult a family doctor for any symptoms of HFMD that you’re unsure of and to get proper guidance on how to manage the illness and ensure safe recovery.
Symptoms of HFMD
Children with HFMD may have:
Fever: Usually the first sign and can be mild to moderate.
Sore Throat: Swallowing is painful and uncomfortable.
Mouth Sores: Painful sores or mouth ulcers inside the mouth, tongue, gums and inner cheeks. Monitor these ulcers to manage discomfort.
Rash: Non-itchy rash on palms of hands, soles of feet and sometimes on the buttocks.
Early Diagnosis and Management is Important
Recognize the symptoms early. There is no specific treatment for HFMD but supportive care like pain relievers and hydration can help alleviate symptoms. Early diagnosis helps in managing discomfort and preventing complications.
Prevention
Reducing the transmission of HFMD requires good hygiene practices:
Frequent Handwashing: Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds.
Avoid Close Contact: Keep children away from infected individuals.
Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean toys, doorknobs and other frequently touched objects.
Teach Proper Hygiene: Tell kids not to touch their faces or mouths unnecessarily.
Avoid Sharing Eating Utensils: Keep the infected child’s eating utensils separate from others to minimize transmission.
Knowing these tips will empower parents and caregivers to protect their little ones from HFMD.
Symptoms
Recognize hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) early to manage discomfort and prevent spread. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:
HFMD is spread through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids such as saliva, nasal discharge and faeces.
First Signs
Fever: One of the first signs can be mild or high.
Sore Throat: Your child may complain of a sore or scratchy throat.
Lethargy: Feeling unusually tired or cranky.
Also, monitor other children for HFMD symptoms to prevent further spread.
Mouth Sores
As HFMD progresses, mouth sores will develop:
Painful Ulcers: Small red spots that blister and then become ulcers. These will appear on the gums, inner cheeks and tongue.
Difficulty Eating and Drinking: The pain from these sores will make swallowing hard so your child may avoid food or drinks.
Make sure to clean thoroughly toys or items contaminated with nasal or oral secretions to prevent the spread of the illness.
Rash Patterns
Knowing where rashes appear will help confirm HFMD:
Hands and Feet: Red spots that may blister on the palms of hands and soles of feet.
Buttocks: Sometimes a rash will appear on the buttocks.
Non-Itchy Rash: Unlike other rashes, HFMD rashes are not itchy but uncomfortable.
Note: HFMD is different from hoof and mouth disease, which affects farm animals and is not transmissible to humans.
Recognize the symptoms early to manage and comfort.
Managing Discomfort
When dealing with HFMD, focus on relieving symptoms not on antiviral meds. Here are some ways to manage discomfort:
HFMD is generally mild but can sometimes lead to serious complications like encephalitis and dehydration that require hospitalization.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
To alleviate mouth sores, fever, and sore throat discomfort, use over-the-counter pain relievers:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Reduces fever and soothes sore muscles.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
Follow the dosing instructions of your doctor or the medication packaging to use safely.
More Comfort Tips
Soft, cold foods like yogurt or ice cream can soothe a sore throat and mouth sores.
Avoid spicy or citrus foods as they can irritate the mouth sores and worsen discomfort.
Over-the-counter oral gels can give temporary relief from mouth-sore pain.
Relief from these symptoms can make a big difference in your child’s comfort level during HFMD. It’s all about making them feel better while their body fights the virus. Keep the infected child’s belongings separate from other family members to prevent spread within the household.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is important during an HFMD episode. Dehydration is a risk because of painful mouth sores that make it hard for children to swallow.
Encourage Hydration
Here are some tips to keep your child hydrated:
Cold Liquids: Cold drinks can soothe sore throats. Try ice water, chilled milk or diluted fruit juices.
Popsicles: These are not only fluids but also a treat.
Frequent Sips: Encourage your child to take small sips, often not in one big gulp.
Soft Foods with High Water Content: Foods like yoghurt, applesauce and gelatin are easier to eat and can help with hydration.
Hydration is part of the treatment for HFMD and helps with recovery and comfort.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Good hygiene practices can make a big difference in preventing HFMD. Simple daily habits can reduce the risk of HFMD transmission among young children.
Take your child to the doctor if symptoms don’t improve after a few days or worsen. Especially if your child has difficulty swallowing or signs of dehydration like decreased urine output or excessive thirst.
HFMD Prevention Hygiene:
Frequent Handwashing: Encourage kids to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before eating and after sneezing or coughing.
Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently touched, like toys, doorknobs and tables.
Avoid Close Contact: Keep your child away from anyone with HFMD. This means no sharing of utensils, cups or towels.
Teach Cough Etiquette: Show children how to cover their mouths with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze.
These can help reduce HFMD spread in homes and childcare centres.
HFMD can infect adults
Although it’s most common in children. Symptoms and treatment for adults are the same as for children. Adults (except the child’s parents) should avoid close contact with infected individuals and don’t share personal items.
If you or your child has HFMD, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In general, HFMD can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but with proper care and management of symptoms, most cases will resolve within a week or two.
Role of Childcare Centers in Preventing HFMD Outbreaks
Childcare centres, kindergartens and schools have a big role in preventing HFMD spread. Here are some guidelines to minimize outbreaks:
Frequent Handwashing: Encourage children and staff to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom and before eating.
Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect toys, doorknobs and other frequently touched surfaces.
Isolation Protocols: Separate any child showing HFMD symptoms from others to prevent virus spread.
Educational Programs: Teach children good hygiene practices like not touching their face or mouth and covering their coughs and sneezes.
Communication with Parents: Inform parents about HFMD symptoms and prevention tips; tell them to keep sick children at home.
These will help reduce HFMD transmission in childcare centres.
HFMD can be minimised
Be aware and follow these prevention tips to create a safe environment for our children and stop HFMD in our community.
