Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that causes rashes and blisters on the hands, feet and in or around the mouth. Just recently, cases of HFMD have been surging in Malaysia, mainly affecting children under the age of five.
Parents with young children are distressed in regards to the recent outbreak of HFMD and the only best way to curb HFMD is through extensive public awareness. As a healthcare platform, we aim to create awareness and with that in mind, to share a little on the disease and early prevention methods, we reached out to Huin Weng Kit, Community Pharmacist from Alpro Pharmacy for some noteworthy information we should be aware of as well as some course of action that can be taken to prevent HFMD.
Weng Kit, Community Pharmacist
1Twenty80: What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) and what causes it?
Huin Weng Kit: HFMD is a contagious disease caused by viruses in the Enterovirus family. It is most commonly caused by the Coxsackievirus A16. Pathogens such as Coxsackievirus A6 and Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) that can cause HFMD too.
1Twenty80: How does the HFMD spread?
Weng Kit: It is spread by secretions in the nose and throat, such as saliva, drool, and mucus.
When someone sneezes or coughs, they expose others to this contagious disease. Fluids from blisters, ulcers or coming in contact with faeces can spread HFMD too. Outbreaks normally happen in nursing homes or kindergarten because children play around together, touching common toys or stationeries that are infected with body fluids.
1Twenty80: What are the symptoms of HFMD?
Weng Kit: Some of the few symptoms that usually appears includes:
- Runny nose.
- Poor appetite.
- Rashes on hands and legs.
- Fever and flu-like symptoms.
- Sore throat, mouth sores or ulcers
- (mouth sore can be serious that it is painful to swallow, so the children’s appetite was affected).
Outbreaks normally happen in nursing homes or kindergarten because children play around together, touching common toys or stationeries that are infected with body fluids.
1Twenty80: Who is at most risk of developing HFMD?
Weng Kit: Anyone can get HFMD including adults too. However, infants and children less than the age of five are at most risk of developing HFMD.
1Twenty80: Why is HFMD more common in children?
Weng Kit: Children have lower immunity, less antibodies and their immune systems aren’t fully developed yet. Hence, why it is commonly seen in kids below the age of five and not in those 10 to 12 years of age. Despite HFMD being common in children, adults are prone to developing the infection too, especially those with a low immune system.
1Twenty80: Can adults be asymptomatic carriers of HFMD?
Weng Kit: As a matter of fact, yes. Anyone with HFMD can be contagious during the incubation period which is about three to six days before the symptoms begin to develop and remain contagious for the upcoming days to weeks, depending on individuals.
1Twenty80: What is the best treatment for HFMD?
Weng Kit: There is no specific medicine for HFMD. Nevertheless, the symptoms can be treated. For instance, we give Antipyretics for HFMD patients who have feverish symptoms or painkillers to reduce the pain. Ulcer medications are also given to reduce the severity of ulcers in the mouth.
Apart from that, being well hydrated is very important. So, be sure to give your children a sufficient amount of water and hydrate yourself too.
1Twenty80: How long does HFMD take to heal?
Weng Kit: The infection normally subsides after seven to 10 days when the immunity of patients builds up.
1Twenty80: Apart from the hand, feet and mouth, can HFMD spread to other parts of the body?
Weng Kit: As a matter of fact, yes, the disease can spread to other parts of the body. However, it will first infect the hand, foot and mouth.
1Twenty80: What should I do if I have been around someone with a HFMD?
Weng Kit: Disinfect the common area if someone with HFMD was in contact with it. If your children were in contact with HFMD patients, monitor their symptoms closely and treat according to the medical advice.
1Twenty80: What are some of the best preventive measures that can be taken to prevent HFMD?
Weng Kit: Frequent hand-washing (20 seconds) and avoiding close contact with people who are infected with the disease may help reduce your child’s risk of infection. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Plus, if someone has HFMD, it is best to avoid sharing items with other children. For instance do not share:
- Utensils.
- Towels.
- Toys.
- Other personal belongings such as soft security comfort items (small pillows, teddy bears).
If your kid is diagnosed with HFMD, be sure to keep them away from other children as HFMD is a highly contagious disease. Disinfect the common area if someone with HFMD was in contact with it.
1Twenty80: What is the isolation period for someone with HFMD?
Weng Kit: Someone presented with symptoms such as fever and skin rashes should be isolated. They should be isolated until asymptomatic and blisters are healed. It will normally take seven to 10 days.
