SINGAPORE
- For the week ending May 19, the number
of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases reached a record high of 1,687.
The
number of cases of HFMD is rising to alarming levels this year, far exceeding
the epidemic level of 780 cases a week since February this year.
While
the Ministry of Health (MOH) is stepping up its efforts in reigning in the
spread of the disease, which is known to come in waves, parents of young
children can also do their part by educating themselves on the dangers of HFMD
and how to prevent it.
This is
especially important in view of the upcoming school holidays, which will likely
translate into further record-breaking outbreaks.
To this
end, here's all the information parents need to know to protect their children
against the potentially fatal disease, provided by the Health Promotion Board.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
HFMD is
an infection disease caused by certain viruses. It is a common disease which
has been around for many years.
Who does it affect?
It
affects all age groups, but young children, under the age of 5 years, are more
likely to be infected.
How does it spread?
HFMD is
spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal discharge, faeces or the fluid
from the blisters of an infected person.
It can
also be spread indirectly through articles contaminated by these secretions.
Outbreaks
can occur in child care centres, kindergartens and schools. Some infected
people may not have obvious symptoms or signs. They can also spread the virus.
How do you know if your child has HFMD?
A child
with HFMD usually presents with the following symptoms:
-
fever
for 2 - 3 days
-
sore
throat and runny nose
-
rash
(flat or raised red spots, some with blisters) on the hands (especially the
palms), feet and occasionally on the buttocks, arms and legs
-
mouth
ulcers
-
poor
appetite
-
vomiting
and diarrhea
-
tiredness
and weakness
A child
is infectious throughout the duration of the illness.
What should you do if your child has HFMD?
-
Bring
your child to your family doctor or nearest polyclinic.
-
Encourage
your child to drink plenty of fluids. You may need to give small amounts (e.g.
30ml) frequently (e.g. half hourly)
-
Change
to a soft diet such as mashed potatoes, porridge or pureed fruits.
-
Give
medications prescribed by the doctor, such as paracetamol syrup for fever and
pain, and soothing gel for the mouth ulcers
In most
cases, your child's immune system will overcome the infection in time and he
will recover.
Is HFMD serious?
In most
cases, HFMD is mild. However, a few children who are infected with the EV71
strain of the virus can become very ill, with signs and symptoms such as:
-
disorientation,
drowsiness and/or irritability
-
fits
-
severe
headache, giddiness or neck stiffness
-
breathlessness
or turning blue
-
dehydration
- this can happen due to continuous vomiting, diarrhea or pure fluid intake as
a result of painful mouth ulcers. The child is very tired, has a dry tongue and
may pass very little urine.
If you
notice any of the above, bring your child to the Emergency Department of the
nearest hospital immediately.
What can you do to prevent the spread of
HFMD?
HFMD is
highly contagious. Your child is also susceptible to getting other infections
when he has HFMD.
Here is
what you should do if your child has HFMD:
-
Keep
your child away from public places
-
Get
everyone at home to wash their hands frequently with soap
-
Keep
his toys, books, eating utensils, towels and clothes separate from others
-
Inform
the school, kindergarten or child care centre as soon as possible. They can
monitor other children closely and take additional precautions to prevent the
spread of HFMD
-
Keep
your child at home until he is fully recovered, after the expiry of the medical
certificate (MC) given by the family doctor.
-
Ensure
that any siblings are well before sending them to the school, kindergarten, or
child care centre.
YourHealth
AsiaOne
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