Prevention of HFMD
Up til now, there is no vaccine to protect against the viruses that causes HFMD. However, you can lower the risk of getting HFMD.
Protect your children from HFMD, by teaching them good hygiene practices such as:
Washing hands with soap and water before and after eating and after going to the toilet.
Covering the mouth and nose with a piece of tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid sharing food/drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes or towels with others.
Ensuring that toys or appliances that are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions are disinfected before they are used again.
Putting on a face mask when feeling unwell.
In addition, do these four steps before sending your child to the school, kindergarten or childcare centre every day:
a. Take your child’s Temperature (either orally or via the ear).
b. Look for mouth Ulcers. Ask your child to open the mouth and say “Ah …”. Shine a torch in the mouth and look for ulcers on the tongue, inner sides of the mouth and on the lips.
c. Look for blisters on the Hands. Ask your child to hold out the hands and show his/her palms. Look for small pinkish/reddish bumps or tiny blisters with fluids. Then check for the same on the back of the hands.
d. Look for blisters on the Feet. Check for bumps/blisters on the upper part of the feet first, then the soles.
If you observe any of the above, DO NOT send your child to the school, kindergarten or childcare centre. Instead, take him/her to a family doctor for a thorough examination. If your child is diagnosed with HFMD, please keep him/her at home, returning only after the expiry of the medical certificate (MC) and when fully recovered.
