| What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease? (HFMD)? | | | | paracetamol syrup for fever and pain, and soothing gel |
| HFMD is an infectious disease caused by certain | | | | for the mouth ulcers. |
| viruses. It is a common disease which has been | | | | In most cases, your child's immune system will |
| around for many years. | | | | overcome the infection in time and he will recover. |
| Who does it Affect? | | | | Is HFMD Serious? |
| It affects all age groups, but young children, under the | | | | In most cases, HFMD is mild. However, a few children |
| age of 5 years are likely to be infected. | | | | who are infected with the EV71 strain of the virus can |
| How does it Spread? | | | | become very ill, with signs and symptoms such as: |
| HFMD is spread through direct contact with saliva, | | | | 1. Disorientation, drowsiness and/or irritability |
| nasal discharge, faeces or the fluid from the blisters of | | | | 2. Fits |
| an infected person. It can also be spread indirectly | | | | 3. Sever headache, giddiness or neck stiffness |
| through articles contaminated by these secretions. | | | | 4. Breathlessness or turning blue |
| Outbreaks can occur in child care centres, | | | | 5. Dehydration - this can happen due to continuous |
| kindergartens and schools. Some infected people may | | | | vomiting, diarrhoea or poor fluid intake as a result of |
| not have obvious symptoms or signs. They can also | | | | painful mouth ulcers. The child is very tired, has a dry |
| spread the virus. | | | | tongue and may pass very little urine. |
| How do you know if your child has HFMD? | | | | If you notice any of the above, bring your child to the |
| A child with HFMD usually presents with the following | | | | Emergency Department of the nearest hospital |
| symptoms: | | | | immediately. |
| 1. Fever for 2-3 days | | | | What can you do to prevent the Spread of HFMD? |
| 2. Sore throat and runny nose | | | | HFMD is highly contagious. Your child is also |
| 3. Rashes (flat or raised red spots, some with blisters) | | | | susceptible to getting other infections when he has |
| on the hands (especially the palms), feet and | | | | HFMD. |
| occasionally on the buttocks, arms and legs | | | | Here is what you should do to prevent spreading if |
| 4. Mouth ulcers | | | | your child has HFMD: |
| 5. Poor appetite | | | | 1. Keep your child away from public places |
| 6. Vomiting and diarrhoea | | | | 2. Get everyone at home to wash their hands |
| 7. Tiredness and weakness | | | | frequently with soap |
| A child is infectious throughout the duration of the | | | | 3. Keep his toys, books, eating utensils, towels and |
| illness. | | | | clothes separate from others |
| What should you do if your child has HFMD? | | | | 4. Inform the school, kindergarten or child care centre |
| 1. Bring your child to your family doctor or nearest clinic | | | | as soon as possible, as they can monitor other children |
| 2. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. You | | | | closely and take additional precautions to prevent the |
| may need to give small amounts (eg 30ml) frequently | | | | spread of HFMD |
| (eg half hourly) | | | | 5. Keep your child at home until he is fully recovered, |
| 3. Change to a soft diet such as mashed potatoes, | | | | after the expiry of the medical certificate given by the |
| porridge or pureed fruits | | | | family doctor |
| 4. Give medications prescribed by the doctor, such as | | | | 6. |