What Every Parent Needs To Know About Hand-mouth-foot-disease

How To Prevent Spreading The Virus

Parents should be aware that their child is the most contagious in the first seven days of becoming infected with HFMD, but the virus can remain present within the child’s body for days, or even weeks after their symptoms have disappeared. As previously mentioned, the best way to prevent HFMD from spreading is to wash hands thoroughly and frequently and to disinfect all surfaces and items a contagious individual may have come into contact with. Parents should be washing their hands too, and not just their child’s, especially after changing their diaper or wiping a runny nose, as the virus can still spread through the child's mucus, spit, and feces. A child should also be fever and symptom-free before they return to school or daycare to ensure they do not infect anybody else. Parents should always consult their doctor if they believe their child is still contagious before resuming their regular routine.

Even though hand-mouth-foot disease is a common and minor illness, parents should take preventative measures for their children and try their best to comfort them during their symptoms. With proper treatment, children can bounce back and become healthy again in no time!