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Contagious Hand Foot Mouth Diseases (HFMD)

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Hand Foot Mouth Diseases (HFMD) is one of common children’s contagious infectious diseases. News from Singapore that there is number of Hand Foot Mouth Disease cases have been increased in the year 2008. A total jump of 12% from last week ending 12 April. Till now a total of 6,325 cases reported and the causes mainly caused by a higher circulation of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) said the Ministry of Health (MOH). Ministry of Health in Singapore added that HFMD is endemic in Singapore and will continues to rise as part of of epidemic uptrend.

Hand Foot Mouth Diseases (HFMD) is contagious most commonly affects children and can spread rapidly wherever groups of children are in close contact such as in childcare centre, kindergarten and in schools. Children are at high risk for HFMD because of their immune systems have not yet fully developed at the young age.

What is Hand Foot Mouth Diseases and how it spread?

Hand Foot Mouth Diseases (HFMD) is a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. Most frequent causes of HFMD is coxsackievirus A16, coxsackievirus A and enterovirus 71. HFMD is very contagious and spreads through direct contact with infected person. The virus can be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes creating a mist of fluid containing viruses in the air, saliva, nasal and throat discharge, fluid from blistering skin cores and feces and indirectly by contaminated substance such as toys, books and so on.

Signs and symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Diseases

Parents are advised to seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms. The following signs and symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Diseases may occur:

  • One or two days of fever
  • Painful red sores may develop in the throat, on the gums, on the inside of the cheeks and on the tongue.
  • Rashes may appear with small blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and may spread to the buttocks.
  • May have headache and irritability (in young children).

While the diseases is mild and self-limiting but complications affecting the heart and brain could occur that lead to death.

How to prevent from HFMD?

The likelihood to reduce infected with Hand Foot Mouth Diseases is by practicing good hygiene. Only maintaining high standards of personal and environmental hygiene can really minimize getting any infectious diseases.

  1. Washing hands is necessary to reduce the potential of spreading any infectious diseases, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, as well as before eating or preparing foods.
  2. Disinfecting common areas and object that is close encounter with children like kitchen, utensils, toys, baby pacifiers. This is necessary since the virus can live on objects or surfaces for several days.
  3. Parents should teach your children and ensure your child practice good hygiene.
  • Wash their hand frequently
  • Covering your month and nose when coughing or sneezing following washing of hands after that.
  • Take a bath at least twice everyday.
  • Not to put their fingers, hands or any other objects into their mouths.
  • Not to share utensils.
  • Not to share foods
  • Avoiding contact with infected individuals.

It is crucial for children to adopt good hygiene practices.

Infectious Diseases In Children | Practice Good Hygiene

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Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases in children are a big concerns for parents. Usually children will not get infectious diseases at home for there are protected. As your child don’t come in contact with many people at home and parents or I should say adults are generally immune to many childhood illness so adults cannot and don’t have the opportunity to transmit those infections to your children. So where do children get the infectious diseases from if it is not possible to get the infectious disease at home.

Where do children get infectious diseases from?

Well the infectious diseases are spread places like in the Day Cares, Child Cares, Kindergartens, enclosed Playgrounds or other facilities when there are a large amount of children gather together for period of time come in close contact. Children most likely will put their hands in their mouth after playing. Children fall sick easily compare to the adults. Children immune systems have not fully developed at their age. There is no way to prevent the spread of all infectious and illnesses within these places. However some of these infectious diseases can be prevented especially Hand Foot Mouth Diseases.

Children Practice Good Hygiene

The best way to prevent these infectious diseases for transmission is to educate your child to wash their hands well. Always remember that infections can be spread by any person, child or adult, who show no signs of that illness. They may or may not be sick but they might just be a carrier of the diseases. Habits of washing your hands is the most effective way because it dilutes and flushes off germs and other contaminated matter. Sadly enough that most children are not conscious of their personal hygiene as majority of children are not taught of practising good hygiene at home. Parents have to teach your child at the young age to practice good hygiene at home first and help them maintain the habit although it is not easy to teach proper hand washing hygiene.

How to Make An Impact To Children Practicing Good Hygiene ?

The first step is as parents you have to be a role model. Children will naturally imitate your behaviors, the way you present yourself, the way you speaks, everything in you include your bad behaviors. So if you practice good hygiene habits, they will follow closely. If you wash your hands before and after eating and whenever you have to wash your hands. Make it as routine, help and encourage your child practice good hygiene a habits. So start now and set a good example for your children in practicing good hygiene.