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| HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE |
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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common illness
of infants and children featuring mouth sores, fever and rash caused
by a virus. It is usually a mild, self-limiting illness but can be more
serious in some children. Let's read on to understand more and know how
you can prevent and control the spread of this disease.
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| "A person is most contagious during
the first week of the illness" |
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HFMD most often occurs in children under 10
years old but can also occur in older children and adults. It is
caused by a number of enteroviruses in the family Picornaviridae.
One such virus is enterovirus 71. HFMD is not to be confused with
foot-and-mouth disease, which is a disease affecting sheep, cattle
and swine which is unrelated to HFMD.
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| Symptoms of HFMD |
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HFMD begins with a mild fever, poor appetite,
feeling sick and frequently a sore throat.
One or 2 days after the fever begins, painful sores develop in
the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then
often become ulcers. They are usually located on the tongue, gums
and inside of the cheeks. The skin rash develops over 1 to 2 days
with flat or raised red spots, some with blisters on the palms
of the hand and the soles of the feet. A person with HFMD may have
only the rash or the mouth ulcers.
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The usual period from infection to onset of
symptoms ("incubation period") is 3 to 7 days. Fever
is often the first symptom of HFMD followed by blister/rash.
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| Is HFMD contagious? |
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Yes, HFMD is moderately contagious. It is usually
spread by person to person contact with nose and throat discharges,
saliva, fluid from blisters or the stool of infected persons.
A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness.
HFMD is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.
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| Treatment |
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There is no specific treatment available for
this infection. Treatment given is usually to provide
relief from fever, aches or pain from
the sores.
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| Prevent and control the spread of this disease by: |
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Practising good hand washing techniques,
especially after using the toilet, changing diapers or handling
other stool-soiled material.
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Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated
items and surfaces using diluted solution of chlorine-containing
bleach.
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Daily examine children for HFMD.
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Covering the mouth and nose when coughing
or sneezing.
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Washing toys and other surfaces that have saliva on them. |
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Excluding children with HFMD from schools or childcare facilities
until the child feels well. |
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Disclaimer:
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of facts, the
articles and information above must never be construed as giving
professional health advice and as such Kurnia does not give any
warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness
or other assurances as to the content appearing in the above
article. Kurnia cannot be held responsible for any losses, injury
or death resulting from the use of the above information. |
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