Nurse Brenda here to give families a bit of a heads up:
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is back. There have been several cases of this childhood virus in our school. Information from the CDC is as follows.
Symptoms:
- Include fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. The rashes found mostly on the hands and feet including the bottoms of feet.
- May include eating and drinking less, sore throat, and feeling unwell. Due to mouth sores you may find that a child with HFMD may drool more than usual and may want to only drink cold fluids.
- Skin rash may be present on soles of feet and palms of hands. It may also show up on the buttocks, legs and arms. The rash usually is not itchy and looks like flat or slightly raised red spots, sometimes with blisters that have an area of redness at their base. Fluid in the blister can contain the virus that causes HFMD. Keep Blisters clean and avoid touching them.
You should see your health care provider if:
- Your child is not able to drink normally and you’re worried they might be getting dehydrated. If your child’s fever lasts longer than 3 days. If your child’s symptoms do not improve after 10 days. If your child has a weakened immune system. Symptoms are severe. If your child is under 6 months old.
- HFMD is highly contagious as the virus is present in the nose and throat secretions, such as saliva, drool, or nasal mucus, fluid from blisters, and feces.
To help prevent HFMD: Wash your hands frequently and always wash your hands after changing diapers, after using the toilet, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and before and after caring for someone who is sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you would like to know more about HFMD you can find more information on the CDC’s website.
www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/prevention.html