A. This is an infectious disease caused by a family of viruses called Enteroviruses, the commonest being the Coxsackie virus and Enterovirus. It can occur in people from various age groups, especially in pre-schoolers. It is a very common disease in Singapore and has been in existence for many years. It is not a rare or new disease.
Q. How do you know if your child has HFMD?
A. Children with HFMD will have blister-like rash on hands, feet and buttocks, mouth ulcers and fever. In addition, the child may have a sore throat, runny nose, vomiting and diarrhoea, and may feel tired. You may bring your child to the polyclinic or see your family doctor. There is no need for you to rush your child to the Children's Emergency just to confirm the diagnosis of HFMD.
Q. How can your child get HFMD?
A. HFMD can be easily spread through direct contact with nose discharge, saliva, faeces and fluid from the blisters.
Q. Is this disease serious?
A. The disease is usually mild and most children will recover in about a week's time. Only very rarely do certain rare strains of the virus cause complications such as inflammation of the brain and heart.
Q. Is HFMD treatable?
A. There is no specific treatment for HFMD. The symptoms are usually mild and children usually recover well as their own immune system fights off the virus. Your doctor will give medication to control the fever. You should encourage your child to take as much oral fluids as possible. Your child may not have a good appetite because swallowing may be painful. However, ensure that your child has adequate fluid to prevent dehydration. Offer your child small amount of fluid such as diluted fruit juice, rice or barley water every half hourly and about 10 to 30 ml each time throughout the day. Antibiotics are ineffective because this is a viral, not a bacterial infection.
Q. Does a prior infection with enterovirus make a person immune?
A. Specific immunity can occur, but a second episode is possible from a different strain of virus belonging to the enterovirus family.
Q. What can be done to prevent the spread of this disease?
A. Infected children should not be allowed to go to school, childcare centres and other crowded places until he is fully recovered. Practise good general hygiene. Wash your hands immediately after contact with the infected child or handling diaper changes, and before handling food. Prevent other children from contact with toys, books, eating utensils, towels, clothes and other personal items used by the infected child.
Q. When should a child with HFMD be brought to the Children's Emergency?
A. Most children with HFMD are relatively well and active despite their illness. Your family doctor or the polyclinic will be able to manage the majority of the cases. However, you should bring your child to the Children's Emergency if he develops any of the following problems:
*When the oral intake of fluids is poor, or when the child is unable to swallow, or vomits persistently.
*When the tongue is dry, or when the child has decreased urine output (dehydration).
*If the child appears lethargic, drowsy or irritable, is crying persistently, or is disoriented.
*When seizures occur.
*If there is difficulty in breathing.
*If the child looks ashen, pale or blue.
*If the child complains of acute headache or giddiness, or if there is neck stiffness.
Yes, good information! I’ve only heard this HFMD disease when I work in the clinic of Singapore. The Singaporeans are very afraid of this disease. At the primary school’s entrance, I saw the notice not allow to attend the school if stuents suffer this kind of disease. Our doctors usually prescribe Isoprinosine & oral lotion. The disease can cure within a week.
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