Prevention is better than cure–this is what children are taught from the beginning of time. This tip has never been more timely, especially with the increasing cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in the Philippines.
Early this year, the Department of Health reported several HFMD cases from January 1 to 18.
The health department classifies the disease under Category 1, which means it must be reported immediately under the law.
But before reporting these cases, it’s important to know what HFMD is!
Getting to Know Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common illness that mainly affects children under five, though older kids and adults can get it too.
This disease is usually caused by the coxsackievirus, which spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, or contact with fecal matter.
HFMD is contagious, particularly in places like schools and daycare centers. But worry not as it is generally not a serious condition and usually goes away on its own within 7 to 10 days. However, because it spreads easily, managing it carefully is important to keep others safe from similar symptoms.
Symptoms: How to Identify HFMD
The disease shows various symptoms that typically appear 3 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. Common signs include:
- Mouth Sores: Painful, red sores often occur on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and around the lips, making it uncomfortable to eat or drink.
- Skin Rashes: Red, non-itchy rashes or blisters usually appear on the palms, fingers, soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks, often developing into small blisters.
- High Fever: A fever exceeding 38°C (100.4°F) is often one of the first signs of infection.
- Sore Throat: Throat pain can make swallowing difficult.
- Fatigue: General feeling of unwellness often accompanies other symptoms.
- Loss of Appetite: Infants and young children may refuse food or breastfeeding due to mouth pain.
- Irritability in Infants: Discomfort from sores or fever can make infants fussier.
The transition from early signs to noticeable symptoms typically happens within a few days. Thus, recognizing these signs early is crucial for effective care and preventing the spread of the disease to others.
Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Contacting HFMD
Even though there is no vaccine to be immune to HFMD, this disease can still be prevented by practicing good personal and environmental hygiene. However, coming into contact with virus-contaminated surfaces or objects may present a risk.
[PHOTO SET: prevention tips highlighted in the bullet points below]
To reduce the likelihood of getting HFMD, adhere to these important hygiene and cleanliness practices outlined by Harvard Health Publishing:
- Frequent Handwashing: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, before eating, and before preparing food.
- Surface Cleaning: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items, such as toys and doorknobs.
- Minimal Face Touching: Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Limited Close Contact: Avoid close contact with anyone who has hand, foot, and mouth disease, including hugging, kissing, and sharing food.
- Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing, and encourage children to do the same.
Recognizing the risk factors is essential for parents and caregivers to implement proactive measures, including educating children about proper hygiene, steering clear of high-risk areas during outbreaks, and keeping a clean environment to reduce the likelihood of HFMD.
It’s important to avoid panicking over news highlighting the HFMD cases. After all, there are still ways to prevent and treat this disease. It only takes a healthy and mindful step forward.
For more medical advice and treatment, consult your doctor.
