Tips For Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

What is HFMD?

HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that usually begins in the throat. HFMD primarily affects children under the age of 5, due to their weaker immune systems than adults. 

It is characterized by fever, mouth ulcers, and a rash on the hands and feet.

How HFMD Spreads?

The viruses spread through:

• Direct contact with the nose and throat discharges or saliva of an infected person.

• Contact with fluid from blisters or the stools of an infected person.

• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects.

• Close personal contact, such as hugging or sharing utensils, towels, etc.

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Symptoms

• Fever

• Reduced appetite

• Sore throat

• Skin rash or blisters develop on the palms, feet, buttocks, or around the mouth.

• Difficulty swallowing due to mouth ulcers

These symptoms typically appear in phases, starting with general flu-like signs and followed by the appearance of blisters or rashes a few days later.

What Can You Do to Prevent Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

Since HFMD viruses are spreading rapidly in crowded environments, it's essential to avoid any outdoor activities during an outbreak of HFMD. If going out is necessary, keep your child away from crowded spots.

Tips to Prevent Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

• Wash hands after outdoor activities, using the bathroom, and preparing food or drinks.

• Avoid eating with unwashed hands after touching surfaces or people.

• Use hand sanitizer to reduce germs when soap isn’t available.

• Sanitize and disinfect toys and frequently touched surfaces with hot and soapy water.

• Avoid close contact like hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils with infected individuals.

• Stay away from saliva, nasal discharge, or feces from infected persons.

Let’s work together to protect our children and reduce the spread of this contagious disease. Every small action helps!