Nicole has HFMD

The title says it all, and yes Nicole is infected with Hand, foot & Mouth disease. It happened on Monday when I went to her school to pick her up. Her teacher told me that there were two cases of HFMD. We went home and I quickly bathe nicole and 'sterilised' her belongings. I even went to the extent of buying her new sandals and throwing the old one she was wearing. Initially, I thought it will be okay, because of the measures I have taken and made sure she has taken oral supplements to keep away from the virus. However on Tuesday, I received a call from her teacher saying that she has spotted ulcers in Nicole's mouth. I went to her school to pick her up and went straight to the doctor. He checked Nicole and said that he couldn't really confirmed if it was really HFMD until the next day. So I stayed at home with Nic the next day and waited. Then, I spotted some more new spots on her hands and feet and more ulcers in her mouth and fever. I began to worry. Doc confirmed she is infected and advised me to stay at home to look after her for at least a week. He even copied down the address of the childcare as he is going to report to MOE abt the HFMD cases. Doc gave a bottle of anti-viral medication and also told me to give paracetamol if Nicole has fever. I did what doc has advised. After medication, I think her body reacted to the anti-viral med and she threw up almost an hour later. Please pray for Nicole for a speedy recovery and of cos for me as well, as I am the taking care of her. Really appreciate your well-wishes too.
Here's some information regarding HFMD - gotten from the Health Promotion Board website.

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD) is caused by the Coxsackie virus and Enterovirus 71. The throat and tonsils develop small ulcers while the hands, feet, and diaper area are affected by a rash with characteristic vesicles (very small blisters). This is usually a mild illness with the rash healing in 5 to 7 days.

HFMD is spread from person to person by direct contact with the nasal discharge, saliva, faeces and fluid from the rash of an infected person. Both adults and children can be affected, but young children below five years are particularly susceptible.

Click to view a larger version of each photo.
(Courtesy of KK Women's and Children's hospital.)

Symptoms

• fever
• sore throat
• ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue
• headache
• a rash with vesicles (small blisters-- 3-7 mm) on hands, feet and diaper area. The vesicles are typically on the palm side of the hands the sole side of the feet and very characteristic in appearance
• loss of appetite
  

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for the infection other than symptomatic relief of symptoms.

Treatment with antibiotics is not effective and is not indicated. Acetaminophen can be used to treat fever. Aspirin should not be used in viral illnesses in children under age 12 years.

Salt water mouth rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 glass of warm water) may be soothing if the child is able to rinse without swallowing. Ensure an adequate fluid intake because swallowing may be painful. Extra fluid is needed when a fever is present.

HFMD in Singapore

HFMD is present all year round in Singapore and there will be yearly seasonal outbreaks. Outbreaks do occur in childcare centres, kindergartens and schools. HFMD became legally notifiable on 1 October 2000. Although usually a mild disease, it has been associated with fatalities usually due to complications involving the heart and nervous system (e.g encephalitis).

Advice for parents

Parents are advised to consult a doctor early if their child has fever, mouth ulcers and rashes on the palms, soles or buttocks. They should also be alert to any change in their child's normal behaviour, e.g. irritation and sleepiness. Should they refuse to eat or drink, have persistent vomiting or drowsiness, parents should bring their child immediately to hospital.

Parents should ensure that their children adopt the following good practices:

• Wash hands with soap before eating and after going to the toilet
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Do not share eating utensils
• Ensure that toys or appliances that are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions should be cleaned before they are used again.

If your child has HFMD:

• Keep him home from school, kindergarten or childcare centre
• Keep him away from all public places including restaurants, playgrounds and shopping centres
• Look out for signs and symptoms in other family members, both children and the adults
• Keep his toys, books, eating utensils, towels and clothes separate from others
• Inform the school, kindergarten or childcare centre as soon as possible. They can monitor other children closely and take additional precautions to prevent the spread of HFMD
• Children with HFMD should remain at home until all the blisters have dried up. Consult your doctor before sending him back to the school, kindergarten or childcare centre