HFMD | Hand Foot and Mouth DiseaseEverything you need to know about HFMDHand Foot and Mouth Disease, also known as HFMD is one of those dreadful sounding diseases that children seem to have a really bad habit of developing, and which conjures up terror in the hearts and minds of their parents. First of all, HFMD is NOT Foot and Mouth Disease which various animals such as cows and pigs get. Put your mind at rest, there is no relationship whatsoever between the two diseases. In fact, it is a very common viral illness in children and which can be caused by a number of viruses, the most common of which is the Coxsackie virus, which is one part of a group of other viruses known as Enterovirus Rather like the flue, there are a number of strains of the disease, so yes; your child can develop it again, even though he or she would have developed some immunity as a result of having had it on a previous occasion. HMFD is hardly ever serious, but in very rare instances, usually via one of the other viruses in the Enterovirus group, other complications can develop, such as viral meningitis or encephalitis. Just ease your mind, the last known case of fatal encephalitis resulting from HFMD occurred in a south East Asian country during the late 1990’s Most cases seem to develop during the summer and early autumn (fall) world-wide All children are at risk of “catching” HFMD, as is any person who handles a child with the disease because it is contagious. Adults on the other hand, will very rarely even be aware that they have developed it. In the case of a pregnant mother, the disease is unlikely to affect your unborn baby, but it is still sensible to take basic precautions such as washing your hands carefully after dealing with your sick child. It is possible, though rare, for a pregnant mother who contracts the disease shortly before delivery, to pass it on to her newborn. In most of these cases, the newborn will simply develop a very mild case of the disease. HFMD, is spread via fluids from the nose, throat and mouth, and the fluid in the blisters that develop, as well is via the child’s stools. The virus can also be transmitted for a number of weeks after the child is well again, particularly via the feces. It will be best to chat with your child’s day care, or pre-school facility to ascertain their requirements with regard to contagious diseases. As with all contagious diseases, cleanliness is the key. Keep everything spotlessly clean. Wash your child’s hands regularly and wash your own. Wash and disinfect all toys and surfaces that could be contaminated on a regular basis, especially if a sick child has been visiting. Avoid kissing and sharing utensils with a child who already has HFMD. Because the virus stays in the feces for a number of weeks, it is especially important to practice good hygiene after a diaper change. At the same time, don’t be paranoid about preventing any little germ from contaminating your child. You will only create psychological problems if you do this. Besides, it is important that children build up various antibodies. The incubation period for Hand Foot and Mouth Disease is 3 to 7 days after contact with the virus. Your baby or toddler is likely to develop a mild fever, and will probably start refusing his food, as a result of a sore throat. Because he is not feeling well, he is also likely to be irritable, especially if he develops sores in his mouth, which can be very painful. Within a day or so after the fever starts, you are likely to find a rash on his hands, usually only the palms, and also on the soles of his feet and perhaps on the buttocks as well. After a while, the rash will develop into small bumps and maybe blisters. It is quite possible for a child to only have the rash or mouth sores Although there is not much that your doctor can do, it would be advisable to call him so that he can provide medication for pain and fever and confirm that it is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease and not something else. The first thing to remember, is that small babies who develop fevers, can dehydrate very quickly, so keep a close eye on your little one. You are unlikely to have to do much more than treat pain and fever with the required medication and ensure that your child has enough fluids. Because of the mouth sores, salty and spicy foods or acidic drinks such as orange juice are likely to cause added pain. Rather provide chilled foods such as yoghurt, custard, ice-cream, jelly and anything else that is soft and cold. You can also try coating the child’s tongue with a teething gel using a cotton swab, if the pain is too great, your doctor may recommend something else. The most important treatment of all is lots of love, cuddles and patience. DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN TO ANY PERSON UNDER 19 YEARS OF AGE: Aspirin has been associated with Reye's Syndrome, a life threatening disease. For further information on Family Health diseases and illnesses please read the following pages
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