Essential Tips to Protect Your Child from Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Every parent wants their child to grow socially, learning to care for others and developing sharing skills. However, sharing isn't just about toys and games; it can also lead to the spread of infectious diseases like hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). This highly contagious viral infection, primarily caused by enteroviruses such as enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16), has no specific treatment or vaccine available^[2]. So, how can you keep sharing without risking your child's health? Here are some practical tips to follow.

1. Proper Hand Washing

Did you know that a simple daily activity like hand washing can help prevent HFMD? Teaching children to wash their hands regularly and correctly is crucial. They should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when water isn't available. This is especially important after activities like sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose, caring for sick individuals, using the restroom, or changing diapers. Research indicates that proper hand hygiene can significantly reduce the incidence of HFMD outbreaks, particularly in settings such as schools and daycare centers^[1].

2. Avoid Touching the Face

Touching the face is something we often do without thinking, and both children and adults are guilty of it! Being mindful of this habit can significantly reduce disease transmission. Encourage your kids to avoid touching their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth until they've washed their hands properly. This is particularly important as enteroviruses can be transmitted via surfaces and then onto mucous membranes when the face is touched^[3].

3. Disinfection

Germs and microbes thrive on frequently touched surfaces, making them key players in the spread of HFMD. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces like kitchen counters, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toys, and anything else that gets a lot of handling. Enhanced cleaning protocols, especially in communal areas, have been shown to lower the risk of HFMD transmission^[4].

4. Avoiding Close Contact

Try to limit contact with anyone infected with HFMD. It's best to keep your kids from hugging, kissing, or playing closely with those who are sick. Just as you take precautions to protect your child, be mindful of not spreading the virus to others. If you or your child has been diagnosed with the disease, it's wise to avoid contact with others. Given the rising incidence of HFMD, particularly due to new strains like coxsackievirus A4, being vigilant about close contact is more important than ever^[2].

HFMD is a viral infection without vaccines, which means prevention is entirely in our hands. While symptoms are generally mild, dealing with the illness can be quite uncomfortable for both children and their guardians. So, instill good social habits in your child, but not at the cost of their health.

If you have concerns about your child's health, consider an online doctor consultation for personalized advice. With the convenience of an online AI doctor, you can easily talk to a doctor online or even chat with a doctor about any questions you may have.