16/04/2021
Hi parents 🤚 a quick health update concerning your little ones
Recently, a lot of local child-care centres have seen an increase in Hand, foot and mouth disease cases. If your little one has never had Hand, foot and mouth disease, I thought I would let you know what to be on the lookout for
Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually only a mild viral infection that causes a rash or white blisters that begin as small red dots on the hands, feet and in or around the mouth but also often in the nappy area too. It is more common in warmer weather and tends to spread easily between children, mainly under 10 years old. It is generally only a mild disease that lasts 7 to 10 days but occasionally it can also cause a fever, irritability, sore throat and tiredness. Adults can also catch Hand, foot and mouth disease but have usually already developed immunity as a child. If you think your child has Hand, foot and mouth disease you should always take them to your GP 🩺 to make sure
Hand, foot and mouth disease is spread by contact with the fluid from their blisters and saliva or stools so the best way to prevent the spread is with good hygiene. Always wash your hands after touching your child’s blisters and changing nappies and make sure your child doesn’t share items that come in contact with their mouth. The most important thing is that you keep your child home from school or child-care until all the fluid in their blisters has dried and become crusty
As Hand, foot and mouth is usually only a mild disease that lasts a few days so no specific treatment or antibiotics are required. Your child will usually get better on their own but you can give paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are in pain. Leave their blisters to dry naturally, don’t pierce or squeeze them. If your child is suffering from more severe symptoms, then take them to your doctor to rule out anything more serious
Please remember, if your child does have Hand, foot and mouth disease and they seem fine you must still keep them home until their blisters have healed to stop them from infecting other children
Your child-care centre will really appreciate it 🙏
Thanks,
Matt