Hand Foot And Mouth: It's Not The Plague
We’ve been humbled this summer and been struck with not just one, but THREE cases of Hand Foot and Mouth.
Fun.
It runs around each summer, as it’s highly contagious during the incubation phase with little to no symptoms and can be passed easily in pools or public places where kids are exchanging fluids or bathroom germs unknowingly.
I see MANY posts each summer about it as if it’s the plague, and to be honest, it really wasn’t all too horrible for us. Even with three looking like they were in a wrestling match with a poison ivy plant.
What should you look for?
HFM starts with a high grade fever and, for many including my own kids, some clingy, listless and morose behavior.
The problem is that this is the stage your children are contagious, but fevers can present themselves for any number of illnesses. You probably won’t notice that it’s truly HFM until you see the next stage, two to three days later.
The spots.
HFM is characterized by raised small pustules or bumps that are red. Some of my kids complained they were itchy, others did not. Once the bumps appear, anywhere from the mouth or IN the mouth, arms/hands and palms, knees down to the feet and soles, you’ve got it.
The good news is that once the spots appear, your child is no longer contagious. And that’s about it! All three of mine were back to normal and acting themselves.
In the grand scheme of illnesses, my pediatrician (and now I) consider HFM to be pretty calm and mild. Keep an eye on your child and keep them hydrated during a high fever and follow protocols of knowing when to take them in. Your pediatrician may prescribe Ibuprofin or Tylenol for the fever. Some children might want an itch creme for the bumps.
Weather the storm, and, if you’re like me, you might be happier if your kids ALL get it at once, because (and this I didn’t know!) once your child has gotten it, they develop the antibodies and immunity to resist getting it again!
Who is susceptible? Infants and children under 10 are most likely to develop HFM. The rare adult, who has a compromised immune system, might also contract it. Elderly and pregnant women are at risk.
When it strikes, have a day or two at home, disinfect as you would for a stomach virus, and carry on! It’s not the end of the world, as long as you know your child and are being diligent about your child’s symptoms.
Obviously - if you think things are abnormal or they seem to be declining instead of improving - see your doctor for more relief.
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