What causes HFMD?

HFMD is a human disease mainly affecting infants and children, and sometimes adults. It is caused by Picorna viruses. The most common strains causing HFMD are Coxsackie A virus and Enterovirus 71 (EV71).

What are the symptoms and signs of HFMD?

The illness usually begins with non-specific symptoms like fever, sore throat and occasional diarrhoea lasting 1-2 days before appear of painful ulcers on the palms, soles of the feet, and palate of the mouth. Other symptoms include loss of appetite (swallowing may be Gainful), headache, malaise (generally not feeling well), and irritability. Painful ulcers in the throat, mouth and Longue follow 1-2 days later a rash with small blisters (vesicles) — 3-7 mm in size on hands, feet and buttocks. The blisters are typically on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It is important to remember that not every patient will get all the symptoms listed above.

When is HFMD infectious?

The incubation period is about 3-7 days. During this time, the person is infected but does not have symptoms. After this, the illness usually starts with a fever and sore throat, and then the rash appears. The rash usually lasts for 5-7 days. During this rime, HFMD is infectious until the vesicles have dried up.

How is HFMD spread to others?

HFMD is a moderately contagious illness. It is spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or faces of an infected person.

What can I do if my child is diagnosed with HFMD?

Treatment of HFMD is usually directed at making the patient feel comfortable. The child's appetite is usually poor due to pain during swallowing and generally feeling unwell, so it is important to encourage lots of fluids.

Plenty of rest is good. Keep your child at home and NOT at school, kindergarten, childcare centre or public places. Try not to share toys, food, clothing or cups, forks and spoons with others. Look out for similar illness in other children and the adults in the home. Inform the school, kindergarten or childcare centre as soon as possible. Keep tour child at home until all the blisters have dried up.

How is HFMD treated?

In a minority of cases, the child with HFMD can be severely affected and the disease can be fatal. In severe cases, rapid transport to a hospital and ICU care may make the difference between life and death.

It is difficult to predict which child will develop severe disease at the outset, but warning signs include a sudden change in conscious state, and the child's ability to respond when being called or being asked to do something.

Here are some take home messages for parents:

Always remind our kids to wash their hands before eating, after going to the toilet and before putting anything in their mouths. And as parents, we must remember to set a good example.

Do the right thing: If your child is sick, it is better to keep the child at home rather than send him or her off to school. If we are afraid that our kids might lose out by skipping a day of school, others will do the same and in the end, more kids are more likely to get sick.

Watch out for any change in your child's normal behaviours, e.g. irritation and sleepiness, persistent vomiting or drowsiness and refusing food and drink. If this happens, bring your child to hospital without delay. If you are in doubt about your child's condition, see a doctor.