EVERYTHING PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE (HFMD) TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE!

EVERYTHING PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE (HFMD) TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE! 

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) typically peaks from April to June and again from September to November each year. It remains a common concern among families, particularly affecting children under 5 years of age, who are more susceptible to serious complications. However, with proper knowledge, parents can proactively prevent, manage, and help their child recover safely from the disease. 

1. What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease? What are the signs and symptoms? 

• HFMD is an acute viral illness primarily caused by Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and Coxsackievirus A16. It spreads from person to person via the digestive tract, direct contact with nasal or throat secretions, saliva, stool, or fluid from blisters. 

• Symptoms usually appear after an incubation period of 3–7 days and may include: 

• Fever: Usually mild, but can sometimes be high. 

• Mouth sores: Painful red spots or small blisters may appear on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks. These can cause discomfort and feeding difficulties. 

• Skin rash: Non-itchy rashes or small blisters (2–10mm in diameter) often appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They may also show up on the buttocks, knees, or elbows. 

2. How to care for a child with HFMD at home? 

In mild cases, home care plays a vital role in recovery: 

Fever management: 

• Administer paracetamol (acetaminophen) as per weight-based dosage. 

• Tepid sponging with warm water may help reduce fever. 

• Managing mouth pain and feeding: 

• Provide soft, easy-to-swallow foods that are neither too hot nor too cold. 

• Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods. 

• Offer cool foods like cold milk, yogurt, ice cream, or mung bean soup to soothe mouth pain. 

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals. 

Oral care: 

• Use medicated oral gels (e.g., Kamistad, Zytee) as directed by your doctor to reduce pain and promote healing. 

• For older children: Rinse mouth with 0.9% saline solution after meals and before bedtime. 

• For infants and toddlers: Use soft gauze or cotton swabs soaked in saline or borate glycerin to gently clean inside the mouth, avoiding vigorous rubbing. 

Skin care: 

• Bathe your child daily with warm water and gentle soap. 

• Do not burst blisters. 

• Apply antiseptic solutions (e.g., methylene blue) as advised by your doctor. 

• Keep nails trimmed to prevent scratching and secondary infections. 

3. Warning signs that require immediate medical attention: 

While most HFMD cases resolve on their own within 7–10 days, infections caused by EV71 may lead to severe complications such as encephalitis, meningitis, myocarditis, or acute pulmonary edema. 

Seek emergency care if your child exhibits any of the following signs: 

• Persistent high fever (>39°C or 102°F) unresponsive to medication 

• Sudden jerky movements, limb tremors, or startles easily during sleep 

• Lethargy, unresponsiveness, or loss of consciousness 

• Frequent vomiting or dry heaving 

• Unsteady walking, limb weakness 

• Rapid or labored breathing 

• Excessive sweating or mottled, purplish skin tone 

4. How to prevent HFMD? 

There is currently no vaccine for HFMD available in Vietnam. Prevention is key: 

• Hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water multiple times a day, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, or before meals. 

• Sanitize surfaces: Clean toys, utensils, floors, and frequently touched surfaces with soap or common disinfectants. 

• Proper waste disposal: Dispose of stool and bodily fluids carefully and hygienically. 

• Isolation: Keep infected children home from school or daycare for at least 10 days from symptom onset to avoid spreading the illness. 

🎯 CarePlus encourages parents to take their children for regular check-ups to monitor health and detect seasonal infections early. 

🏥 At CarePlus International Clinics, we understand your concerns as parents and are always ready to support your child’s well-being with: 

✅ A team of experienced pediatricians dedicated to children’s health 
✅ Modern facilities and international-standard care environment 
✅ Convenient, fast appointment booking with minimal waiting time 
✅ Strict infection control measures to ensure safety during outbreaks