It’s every parent’s nightmare – seeing our children suffer from any illness or discomfort, and hand, foot, mouth disease (HFMD) is no exception. This highly contagious viral infection is common among young children under five years old and can be both painful and distressing, offering a challenge for caregivers. But fear not, dear parents! In this blog, BioCair Singapore, an industry leader in alcohol-free disinfectants will explore the measures you can take to prevent this disease from invading your child’s life. By taking precautions and sharing these insights with other moms and dads, we can work together to keep our little ones safe and healthy.
What is HFMD?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is usually caused by Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71, which spreads through contact with respiratory droplets and on contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, and painful blisters or sores on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. It’s essential to recognise these symptoms so you can take the proper steps to prevent the disease from spreading and seek medical assistance when necessary.
While most cases of HFMD are mild and self-limiting, severe cases can lead to complications such as dehydration and viral meningitis. Although there is no specific treatment for the disease, various preventive measures such as good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
Symptoms
The usual incubation period for HFMD is three to six days, during which children may develop symptoms such as fever and sore throat, as well as loss of appetite and malaise. One to two days after the fever occurs, painful sores may develop in the front of the mouth or throat. Rashes on the hands and feet or the buttocks may also appear.
If you notice sores developing in the back of the mouth and throat, this may suggest a related viral illness called herpangina. Other features of herpangina can include a sudden high fever and, in other instances, even a seizure.
It’s important to note that HFMD can have varying degrees of severity, with some cases being milder than others. Therefore, taking preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus is crucial to stay safe, especially in environments with many young children, such as schools and childcare centres.
Avoid Close Proximity and Sharing during Outbreaks
During HFMD outbreaks, it’s best to avoid crowded places like playgrounds, childcare centres, and preschools. Such settings increase the risk of exposure to the virus. Speak with your child about not sharing cups, utensils, and other personal items with their friends. It’s also essential to keep sick children isolated from others until they are feeling better and cleared by a medical professional.
Teach Good Hygiene Habits
Apart from good hygiene practices such as regularly washing hands or disinfecting objects and belongings with a childsafe surface disinfectant spray, parents and caregivers should encourage young children to avoid touching their faces, and ensure their mouths and noses are covered when coughing or sneezing.
Keep the Home Environment Disinfected
Disinfecting your home environment is an essential aspect of HFMD prevention. Make sure these areas such as countertops, toys, and door handles – which kids have frequent contact with – are regularly cleaned and disinfected using BioCair’s non-toxic disinfectant sprays for maximum protection against viruses like HFMD!
Furthermore, keeping the air in your home germ-free is also a priority, especially important if someone in the household has contracted HFMD. Taking the extra step to disinfect indoor air to kill the HFMD virus can help prevent the disease from spreading – this includes using an effective air disinfection machine that eliminates airborne viruses.
Learn more: 3 Ways to Keep Your Living Spaces Germ-Free
Practising good hygiene habits, avoiding close contact with infected individuals and keeping your home environment germ-free are all important steps to protect ourselves from HFMD. While prevention is key in reducing the risk of contracting or spreading HFMD, prompt medical attention should be sought for any symptoms that arise as a precaution to help manage the illness and avoid complications.
If you’re looking for peace of mind in protecting your family from viruses, then Biocair Singapore has the perfect solution! Their alcohol-free disinfectants are designed to keep homes clean and free of germs without resorting to harsh chemicals. Make sure that you and your loved ones can enjoy a safe and germ-free environment – minus all the fuss!
Visit their website to buy disinfectant spray and keep your loved ones and home environment safe from diseases.
