What exactly is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD)?
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children – is characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands & feet.
Who gets HFMD?
- Infants & children younger than 10 year of age are most likely to get HFMD.
- The disease is common in this age group because it takes time for the human body to develop immunity to the viruses that cause HFMD.
- Older children & adults can get HFMD, but this is less common.
What causes HFMD?
The viruses that usually cause HFMD are named Coxsackievirus A16 & Enterovirus 71.
To catch a virus that causes HFMD, you usually need close contact with the infected person. You can get the virus when you:
- Swallow (or breath in) droplets of infected saliva, mucus.
- Touch fluid from a blister caused by HFMD.
- Handle a contaminated object, such as a toy.
- Contact with feces from the infected person.
What are the symptoms of HFMD?
When a child gets HFMD, most signs & symptoms clear within 7-10 days. Here’s what you may see during that time:
Days 1-2:
For one or two days, you may notice that your child feels unwell and has one or more of the following: mild fever, sore throat, stomach pain, and less of an appetite.
Days 3-7:
After one or two days, the above symptoms tend to clear and you may see:
Mouth sores:
- Mouth sores tend to begin as bright pink or tiny bumps, which turn into painful blisters.
- Most children have a few painful mouth sores which usually develop on the tongue. Sores can also appear elsewhere in the mouth including the roof of the mouth.
An itchy rash:
- A child with HFMD can often develop reddish spots on the soles of feet and palm of hands which quickly turn into bumps or blisters.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
How long is HFMD contagious?
People who have HFMD tent to be most contagious during the 1st week that they have the virus.
To prevent spreading the virus to other, the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends keeping a child with HFMD home until the fever stops & sores heal.
How is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Treated?
HFMD treatment simply helps to relieve the symptoms of the condition. The symptoms will usually clear up on their own after a week.
- Avoid eating any food that is spicy or acidic. These foods can make the mouth sores more painful.
- Plenty of liquids. Make sure your child is hydrating, either with breast milk or formula, or if he’s older with water.
- Reduce the fever. Paracetamol or ibuprofen will relieve fever and discomfort.
- Alleviate pain from mouth sores. Cold beverages, such as water can help. Adults can also use a mouthwash or spray to reduce the pain.
Preventing Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease
It’s not always possible to avoid getting HFMD, but following the advice below can help stop the infection spreading.
- Wash your hands with soap & water often – particularly after going to the toilet, coughing, sneezing, handling nappies, and before preparing food.
- Because soap and water may not always be available, it can help to carry a travel-size hand sanitizer with you.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has HFMD.
- Disinfect counters, doorknobs, and other surfaces that people frequently touch.
- Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose and put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible.
- Avoid sharing cups, utensils, towels and clothes with people who are infected.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose & mouth.
- Wash any bedding or clothing that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash.