As winter comes around, we typically start to protect our children by getting the annual flu shots, but what about other ailments?
On the rise in America, there is an infectious disease going around called hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD). The common virus causes sores in the mouth and a mild to severe rash on the hands and feet. It’s commonly affects infants and children younger than 5 years old, because they do not yet have immunity to the viruses that cause HFMD. However, older children and adults can also get HFMD.
Also to note, the rashes on the hands and feet causes severe discomfort in young children. The sores in the child’s mouth can be incredibly painful which makes them not want to eat. Not to mention, the virus is HIGHLY contagious and can spread very easily.
Continue reading to learn more about the disease, and how you can prevent it from affecting your family.
In the United States, it is more likely for people to get HFMD during spring, summer, and fall.
The condition is typically spread by coming into contact with saliva or mucus. This is especially worrisome if your child attends a daycare or goes anywhere with other children present. Children are prone to put anything in their mouth, which explains why it’s so prevalent in children under the ages of 5.
The disease can also be spread by skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs), by airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes), or by saliva (kissing or shared drinks).
Senior citizens or folks with weakened immune systems are also vulnerable, especially if they live communally, like in a nursing home.
Fortunately, the symptoms are discomforting, but usually not life-threatening. The virus usually clears up on its own within 10 days time. Pain medications can be really helpful for children because it helps alleviate the pain.
Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Sore throat
- A feeling of being unwell
- Painful sores in the mouth that usually begin as flat red spots
- A rash of red spots that may blister on the palm of your hands, soles of your feet, and sometimes in the knees, elbows, buttocks, and/or genital area.
Normally, the symptoms of the virus are mild, but there can be serious side effects. In some rare cases, HFMD can lead to serious brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis.
Outbreaks of HFMD are not common in the United States, but that might change this year.
This year, large outbreaks have been sweeping through Georgia and may affect the wider South Eastern United States.
If you happen to live in an area affected by this year’s HFMD outbreak, it’s important to take extra precautions on your hygiene practices. To keep this illness away from your family, make sure everyone is washing their hands multiple times a day.
If you suspect HFMD, make sure to keep your child away from school until they have been cleared by a doctor.
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