So you get the call from your child’s preschool that you need to come pick your darling heart up as they have a case of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. Isn’t that something cows get in the U.K you automatically think!
Not at all, Hand, Foot and Mouth disease is an extremely common virus and not at all related to Mad Cows disease. Thank goodness!
What is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?
HFMD is a contagious viral infection that appears as fluid filled blisters most commonly on the hands, feet and the inside of the mouth. Also known as a coxsackie or enteroviral infection.
HFMD only affects humans and in particular preschoolers due to young children often participating in large group activities and in close quarters (parties, early childhood settings, Sunday school, etc). Basically areas where young children are able to spread infection through dribbling, sneezing, coughing and spreading saliva on resources and each other.
How do you get Hand Foot and Mouth?
HFMD is highly contagious and is transmitted from child to child through direct fluid contact, typically from the fluid in the blisters or via secretion from the nose and throat. It is also possible to contact HFMD through the child’s faeces therefore hand washing after toileting and nappy changing is paramount to the prevention of spreading the virus. It is most common during Summer and Autumn.
Other Signs and Symptoms:
- mild fever
- sore throat
- headache
- rash on the buttocks
- loss of appetite
- malaise
- sore joints
Incubation period:
Symptoms of HFMD normally appear 3-7 days (incubation period) after a child has been infected. The virus is most contagious during the first week after symptoms appear and while there is still fluid in the blisters, it can still be present in faeces for several weeks.
So your little one has HFMD, what next?
Unfortunately there is no cure but in most cases the symptoms are fairly mild. Some ways in which you can help ease the discomfort of hand foot and mouth disease are:
- Seek medical advice
- Pamol for any pain or fever
- Plenty of rest
- Lots of fluids.
It is important to keep your child away from other children until the blisters have dried, HFMD can last up to 10 days.
Infection results in immunity to protect against the specific virus that caused hand, foot and mouth disease. A second case of HFMD may occur following infection with a different member of the enterovirus group.
Prevention:
It all comes down to hygiene! Lots of hand washing, disinfecting, toy cleaning, nose wiping and keeping your child away from others while infected. It is possible to cover blisters with plasters.
There is no immunisation for HFMD.
What else?
It is important that pregnant mothers are aware of HFMD as in rare cases it can affect babies who are exposed to the virus through their mother in the last trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant mothers are advised to tell their doctor if they have been in contact with the hand foot and mouth disease.
Although its not a pleasant experience for your child at least its not as bad as the name suggests. Hopefully you wont have to go through the ordeal with your little one but if they attend some sort of child care facility, unfortunately, the chances are pretty high.
If you have information to add or had any experiences with HFMD please leave a comment.
Cheers,
Amy
March 30, 2012 at 1:51 am
Did you read or hear if the blisters cause any kind of discomfort or are an irritant? Thanks.
March 30, 2012 at 5:31 am
