How Do You Prevent Hand Foot And Mouth Disease?
A highly contagious viral infection, Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) primarily affects children under 10 years old. Symptoms include fever, painful mouth sores and skin rashes on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. Kids with HFMD are most contagious during the first week of illness. HFMD spreads by direct contact with bodily fluids, discharges and stool. To reduce risk of infection, follow these steps. Wash your hands frequently, particularly after changing a diaper. Have your kids wash their hands often. Clean contaminated areas and items with soap and water. Be sure to clean counters, tables, doorknobs and other high-traffic areas, as well as toys, cups and other frequently handled objects. Follow your soap and water cleaning with a further disinfection using a combination of 1/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water. Avoid any close contact with HFMD affected kids to decrease the risk of infection to mothers, teachers or caregivers. No hugging, kissing, sharing cups or ute
