Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the common symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease in children?

Persistent cough and runny nose

A fever, tiredness, and rash or blisters on hands and mouth (correct)

A rash on the trunk and swelling of lymph nodes

Severe headache, vomiting, and body aches

Which virus is most commonly associated with hand, foot and mouth disease?

Rotavirus

Herpes simplex virus

Coxsackie virus (correct)

Influenza virus

How does hand, foot and mouth disease primarily spread?

Through contaminated food and water

By sharing drinks and personal items only

Through direct contact with rash blisters and respiratory droplets (correct)

Through sexual contact

What can be a complication of hand, foot and mouth disease in children with eczema?

Worsening of eczema and risk of bacterial infection Signup and view all the answers

What should parents do if their child has hand, foot and mouth disease?

Keep the child home until the blisters have dried Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hand, foot and mouth disease is true?

Symptoms are less severe if contracted a second time Signup and view all the answers

In which age group does hand, foot and mouth disease primarily occur?

Children under the age of 10 Signup and view all the answers

What is not an effective way to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease?

Allowing the infected child to interact freely with uninfected children Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended pain relief for children with HFMD?

Paracetamol or ibuprofen Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid doing with the blisters caused by HFMD?

Puncturing or squeezing them Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom could indicate a more serious condition related to HFMD?

Fever and non-blanching skin rash Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the illness HFMD?

It is a mild illness that resolves on its own Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to prevent dehydration in children with HFMD?

Frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration solution Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of how HFMD is spread?

By direct contact with infected individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about HFMD is false?

HFMD requires a hospital stay for treatment Signup and view all the answers

When can a child with HFMD safely return to school?

Once the fluid in the blisters has dried Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

HFMD is a viral infection causing a rash or blisters on the hands and feet, and in or around the mouth.
Primarily affects children under 10, but can affect adolescents.
Spread through contact with fluid from blisters, droplets from sneezing/coughing, and bowel movements.
Easily spreads from person to person.
Can be contracted more than once, but symptoms will likely be less severe.
Not related to foot and mouth disease found in animals.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms appear 3-7 days after infection and last 7-10 days.
Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Rash
Two types of rashes depending on the virus:
- Small, oval, white blisters:
  - Palms, soles of feet, mouth
  - May cause sore mouth/throat, leading to poor appetite or dehydration
- Red skin rash with brown scale:
  - Outer arms, hands, legs, feet, around the mouth, and upper buttocks
  - Trunk is usually clear.
  - Blisters may be present, but less common in the mouth.
  - Blisters are not typically itchy like chickenpox blisters.
  - If a child has eczema, HFMD can worsen it and potentially cause bacterial infection.

How HFMD is Spread

Primarily spread through contact with fluid from blisters or droplets from sneezing/coughing.
The virus can also be present in bowel movements for several weeks after recovery.

Prevention

Wash your hands thoroughly after touching a child's bodily fluids.
Do not share items such as cutlery, drinking cups, towels, toothbrushes, and clothing.
Keep your child home from school or childcare until blisters have dried.

Home Care

HFMD is a viral infection, therefore antibiotics are not effective.
HFMD typically resolves on its own.
To care for your child at home:
- Give pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen (avoid aspirin).
- Provide frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution to prevent dehydration.
- Leave blisters to dry naturally, do not pierce or squeeze them.

Important Points

If a child has a fever, rash, and unexplained bruises, seek medical attention as it may be a sign of a meningococcal infection.
It is generally considered safe for a child to return to school after blisters have dried.

HFMD and Pregnancy

Not known to pose a risk to pregnant women or their unborn babies.

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Description

Explore the causes, symptoms, and transmission of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), primarily affecting young children. Understand the two types of rashes and how the virus spreads through contact with infected fluids. This quiz will test your knowledge on this common viral infection.