Stay safe from Hand, Mouth &
Foot Disease
What is HFMD?
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a mild, contagious viral
infection common in young children less than 10 years of
age, with occasional cases infecting adults as well.
Characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the
hands and feet, hand-foot-and-mouth disease is most
commonly caused by a coxsackie virus.
HMFD is an infection.
 It cause by germs called viruses.
Can HMFD make you sick?
Yes, it can. You may develop
o Small blister filled with fluid on hands, feet
and sometimes on the buttock, arms & legs.
o Mouth ulcers.
Is HFMD Contagious?
Yes, HFMD is moderately contagious. Infection is spread from person to
person by direct contact with infectious virus.
Infectious virus is found in the nose and throat secretions, saliva,
blister fluid, and stool of infected persons.
The virus is most often spread by persons with unwashed, viruscontaminated hands and by contact with virus-contaminated
surfaces.
Both adults and children can be affected, but young children below five
years are particularly susceptible.
Signs and symptoms of Hand Foot
Mouth Diseases
Parents are advised to seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms.
The following signs and symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Diseases may occur:
o One or two days of fever
o Painful red sores may develop in the throat, on the gums, on the inside of
the cheeks and on the tongue.
o Rashes may appear with small blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of
the feet and may spread to the buttocks.
o May have headache and irritability (in young children).
o While the diseases is mild and self-limiting but complications affecting the
heart and brain could occur that lead to death.
o Loss of appetite
o Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
How to prevent from HFMD?
The likelihood to reduce infected with Hand Foot Mouth Diseases is by
practicing good hygiene. Only maintaining high standards of personal and
environmental hygiene can really minimize getting any infectious diseases.

Washing hands is necessary to reduce the potential of spreading any
infectious diseases, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, as
well as before eating or preparing foods.

Disinfecting common areas and object that is close encounter with children
like kitchen, utensils, toys, baby pacifiers. This is necessary since the virus
can live on objects or surfaces for several days.

Look out for signs and symptoms in other family members, both children
and the adults.

Cover nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing; and dispose off
mouth and nasal discharge properly.

Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash
have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted.

Avoid going to crowded places.

Parents should teach your children and ensure your child practice good
hygiene.
• Wash their hand frequently
• Covering your month and nose when coughing or sneezing following
washing of hands after that.
• Take a bath at least twice everyday.
• Not to put their fingers, hands or any other objects into their mouths.
• Not to share utensils.
• Not to share foods
• Avoiding contact with infected individuals.
How it is spread
HFMD is spread from person to person by direct contact with the nasal
discharge, saliva, faeces and fluid from the rash of an infected person. Both
adults and children can be affected, but young children below five years of
age are particularly susceptible.
Complications
Severe ulcers in the mouth can be very painful and this may interfere with intake
of food and drink resulting in dehydration. Dehydration may also be caused by
persistent vomiting/diarrhoea coupled with a reduced fluid intake.
Complications such as brain, lung or heart infections may occur occasionally,
usually due to the EV 71 virus and can be serious. Some signs and symptoms of
complications include:
o severe headache, giddiness and neck stiffness
o disorientation, drowsiness and/or irritability
o fits
o breathlessness or turning blue
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for the infection other than symptomatic relief of
symptoms. Treatment with antibiotics is not effective and is not indicated. If you
suspect your child has HFMD, please bring him/her to see the family doctor. Ease
your child’s discomfort and help your child recover :
o Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids
o Change to a soft diet (e.g. porridge, pureed fruit) if the mouth ulcers are a
problem
o Give medications as prescribed by the doctor, e.g. paracetamol syrup to relieve
fever and pain
o Ensure your child gets plenty of rest by keeping him/her at home
More checks to stem HFMD at School
HYGIENE checks should be carried out at all schools & childcare centre's to
stem cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). The viral infection is
now on the rise because of a seasonal peak.
REMINDER
Place consult a doctor immediately if your child has the
following symptoms and signs of complications:
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Prolonged fever
Drowsiness and malaise
Irritability
Repeated vomiting and loss of appetite
Shortness of breath
Increased heart rate
Abdominal distension
Not passing urine
Weakness of lower legs
Muscle jerks
Abnormal eye movements
HAND WASHING PREVENT INFECTION
PERSONAL
HYGIENE IS
IMPORTANT OF
HAND
FOOT
AND MOUTH
DISEASE
USEFUL LINK
http://www.moh.gov.bn/highlights/hfmd200
6.htm