Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly transmissible viral infection which affects mostly infants and children less than 5 years old. The disease appears as a blister-like rash on the hands and feet and painful sores in the mouth. HFMD is usually mild and clears up within seven to 10 days. It can spread in your household if a family member is infected.
To promote awareness and control its spread, it is important to t know essential information such as the symptoms, causes, and measures on how to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Symptoms of HFMD
These flu-like symptoms appear at the onset of the disease.
- Mild fever
- Sore throat
- Stomachache
- Loss of appetite
- Runny nose
They will disappear after a couple of days and the following symptoms will develop.
- Itchy rash on the palms, soles of the feet, knees, elbows, buttocks, or genitals.
- Painful mouth sores which appear as tiny bumps or bright pink spots that turn into blisters.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Causes of HFMD
The disease is caused by viruses belonging to the coxsackievirus and enterovirus families. The viruses can be found in parts of the digestive tract.
- Mouth
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Rectum
- Anus
HFMD is highly contagious. There is no available vaccine for this disease right now. However, you can lower your chance of getting sick or spreading it by observing these 4 helpful tips.
4 Tips on How to Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
1. Wash Your Hands Regularly.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Always carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and use it if soap and water are not available. Teach good hygiene to your children so they would learn how to avoid hand, foot, and mouth disease. Show them the proper hand-washing steps and make sure they do it often.
Frequent hand washing must be observed.
- Before preparing food
- Before eating
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or potty training
- After blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing
- Before and after caring for someone who has HFMD
For added protection, you can use BestLab Jeju Aloe Fresh Hand and Face Wipes after washing your hands. Formulated with aloe vera and cucumber extract, these face wipes can relieve skin redness and itchiness and redness. Dab them softly on the skin to keep it calm, refreshed, and moisturized. Use these wipes as a regular part of your personal hygiene.
2. Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, And Mouth.
You can get infected if the virus is on your hands and later touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. One of the ways to prevent HFMD is not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands.
3. Do Not Have Close Contact With An Infected Person.
The disease is often transmitted when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Avoid touching, kissing, or hugging someone who is sick. These preventive measures can show you how to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease from spreading.
4. Clean and Disinfect.
The virus can transfer from one person to another when you touch an infected surface. The best means to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease is to clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces and shared items such as counters, doorknobs, toys, and other surfaces.
BestLab Pure Disinfectant Solution & Sanitizer is effective in a wide range of disinfection applications primarily as a solid surface disinfectant. Its highly concentrated formula can be diluted to 100 gallons.
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HFMD is a highly communicable infection that frequently affects babies and children less than 5 years old. It is important to know the symptoms, causes, and useful tips on how to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease since there is no vaccine for HFMD right now. Frequent hand washing, keeping your unclean hands away from the eyes, nose, and mouth, avoiding close contact with infected people, and regular cleaning and disinfecting can help avoid the transmission of HFMD.
BestLab is your trusted source of affordable but high-quality personal hygiene and sanitation products like BestLab 10-in-1 Protection 75% Ethyl Alcohol. It contains 75% v/v of alcohol compounded to meet your disinfectant requirements. Our products are formulated based on the standards set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).