Hand Foot Mouth Disease
What is Hand Foot Mouth Disease?
Hand foot mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection commonly caused by Coxsackie Virus. It can affect both children and adults, although usually children under 5 years old are more susceptible.
HFMD spreads through direct contact with the infected patient’s saliva, nasal discharge, and fluid of the rash.
Patient usually presents with:
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Fever
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Sore throat
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Mouth ulcers
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Rashes around hands and/or feet
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Runny nose
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Reduced appetite
When to see a doctor?
Although HFMD is self-limiting, all patients who are suspected to have HFMD should seek medical attention. More importantly, if your child is not able to take any fluids or food, drowsy, or vomiting, he/she should be seen by a medical profession.
What can I do to feel better?
Patients can take over the counter medication such as Paracetamol (Panadol) to help with the pain and fever. Cold drinks such as milk or ice cream may help alleviate the pain.
What can I do to reduce chances of getting HFMD?
Hand hygiene is paramount in preventing further spread of HFMD. When one is in contact with an infected person, he/she is advised to clean her hands prior and after touching the patient.
There should not be sharing of food or drinks with the patients. In addition, parents should also clean surfaces of toys and furniture often.
Finally, patients should also stay at home and away from public places to prevent further spread to other individuals. Childcare centres or schools should be informed immediately so that teachers can monitor for probable outbreaks.
What can I do to feel better?
Patients can take over the counter medication such as Paracetamol (Panadol) to help with the pain. Should the pain become recurrent or not resolved, he/she should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Feel free to drop by our clinic for more information.