Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD): Ordinary peak in Rainny

     Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is common in infants and young children, especially in daycare centers and kindergartens. It spreads easily, particularly among children under the age of 5. The disease is caused by enteroviruses, which have various strains in Thailand. The most common strain, usually not severe, is Coxsackievirus A6. However, there have been reports of more severe strains, such as Enterovirus 71 (EV71), which can lead to fatalities. This disease can occur year-round but is more prevalent during the rainy season, when the weather is cool and humid, and overcrowded conditions can lead to easy transmission.

The Diagnosis of HFMD

     Doctors can diagnose HFMD based on clinical symptoms and physical examination. Additional tests are not necessary for every patient but may be performed in cases with severe complications, as deemed appropriate by the physician. These tests can include throat swabs, nasal washes, or stool samples to detect the virus using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or viral culture methods.

How HFMD Spreads?

     HFMD is transmitted through food, as the virus enters the mouth from contaminated hands that may have come into contact with nasal secretions, saliva, or feces of an infected person. It can also spread through respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• Incubation Period 3-5 days after exposure to the virus.
• Contagious Period The virus can be spread during the first seven days of illness. Even after recovery, the virus may still be found in the stool for about 2-3 weeks.
• Previous infection with HFMD does not provide immunity, as multiple virus strains exist.

The Symptoms of HFMD

• High or low-grade fever, followed by the appearance of sores in the mouth, cheeks, tongue, and lips within 1-2 days.
• Red spots or clear blisters may develop on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, elbows, and around the buttocks.
• Reduced appetite and fatigue with blisters potentially lasting 7-10 days.
• Severe infections from EV71 can lead to high fever, vomiting, encephalitis, myocarditis, seizures, lethargy, and even death.

Treatment for HFMD

Currently, a vaccine for HFMD is available at the Healthy Child Clinic, 2nd floor, Building 3. If interested, please consult your child's pediatrician. Treatment is generally symptomatic, including:

• Fever reducers
• Topical anesthetics for mouth sores
• Antihistamines for itching

It is recommended to consume cool foods such as cold milk, ice cream, jelly, and gelatin.

Prevention of HFMD

The most important prevention method is promoting good personal hygiene among children and caregivers:

• Ensure food is served hot, freshly cooked, and free from flies.
• Use shared utensils and avoid sharing cups or straws.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap before and after meals, as well as after using the restroom.
• Stop the spread of infection by cleaning toys and avoiding crowded places. Sick children should stay home for at least a week.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers or gels are not sufficient; clean toys with soap, detergent, or household cleaners, and rinse them thoroughly with clean water.

When to seek Medical Attention, it is important to seek medical attention early to receive care in a hospital for potential severe complications that may arise.