It all happened so fast and I had no idea what to expect was going on with my daughter Jocelyn.  First it started with a diaper rash, followed by a mild fever, and terrible blisters inside her mouth.  Immediately I started freaking out after receiving three different diagnostics I was one scared mommy. Without question I then took her into Urgent Care.

The doctor looked at her and then diagnosed her with Hands Feet and Mouth Disease (HFMD).  This is something pretty common this time of year (Although I’ve never heard of it before now) and it’s very contagious.

So here’s what you need to know about Hands Feet and Mouth Disease  from a parent’s perspective, and how to prevent it from spreading.

 

1. Not every child will experience all the symptoms.

I noticed with my daughter that she didn’t experience the blisters on her hands and feet.  Only on her buttocks area and inside her mouth.  Every child is different and so is the severity of the virus.  So don’t think your child doesn’t have it if she doesn’t have all the symptoms.  If you notice anything take her to the doctor or urgent care as soon as possible.

 

2. They are most contagious during the first week.

The first week is the toughest one.  They are drooling (due to lack of swallowing) they are most contagious through saliva and mucous glands.  Luckily my daughter was not coughing or sneezing as much so it’s been contained thus far in our home. If you have more than one child like I do, keeping them apart is definitely crucial.  You have to try and limit the kisses, hugs, and sharing which can be very difficult.

 

3. There isn’t a vaccination or antibiotic for HFMD

Unfortunately this is a virus (Like the flu, common cold, etc…) There is no cure for this, the most important thing is to make your child as comfortable as possible.  The doctor prescribed a “magic mouthwash” which consists of Mylanta, Benadryl, and lidocaine (to numb the mouth).  This helps the healing process if your child has the blisters in her mouth.  It has been a lifesaver for my daughter.  After day 6, all her blisters are subsiding and healing appropriately.

 

4. The Virus stays in the body for a month

After your child starts getting better doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.  The virus stays inside their body and comes through fecal matter (Bowel movements). So moms, make sure that you are washing your hands immediately following diaper changes. Wrap diapers in plastic bags and dispose.  If your child touches her poop for any reason wash her hands (I know it sounds like common sense, but sometimes we forget because we get busy, especially when you have multiple children). I made a sign on the bathroom door to remind people to wash their hands.

 

5. Cold drinks and soft foods

This is the most soothing thing for your child.  I encourage ice water, Gatorade (for electrolytes to prevent dehydration, you can also use pedialite). Yogurts, ice cream, cold milk, all help soothe your little one back to health.

 

6. Don’t doubt yourself as a mom

I received three different diagnostics.  The first one the nurse explained to me it was a canker sore (this was before she experienced any other symptoms), the second was cold sores (This was a diagnosis over the phone from her primary doctor, whom I don’t care for), and finally HFMD.  This diagnosis was consistent with her other symptoms and a doctor actually seen her to diagnose her.  Just remember you ARE allowed to question doctors and medical professionals.  Just because you’re not a licensed doctor you can always ask questions and get second opinions.  Don’t doubt your instincts. You know your child better than anyone.

 

7. Not common in adults

Although HFMD is not as common in adults we can still catch it.  My husband caught it after the first week.  His was mild as well as my Jocelyn and Isaac.  For adults the discomfort is manageable.  You can gargle with salt water and use mouth washes to disinfect the mouth.

 

PREVENTION

 

1. WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN
   

   photo courtesy of google images

I cannot stress this enough! Staying on top of your children to wash hands is very important.  Smaller kids forget, they touch things, put them in their mouth, and BAM they get sick.  Soap and water help prevent the germs from spreading and making matters worse for you and your family.

 

 

 

2. Disinfect

Clean toys daily (I use Lysol and Clorox wipes) especially the toys they put in their mouth.  Also wash sheets, blankets, and towels often.  Make sure throw away toothbrushes and anything else your sick child used.

 

It’s been two weeks since my daughter caught the virus and a week since my son caught it.  Luckily my youngest (5 Month old, Samuel) did not catch it, nor did I.  It’s been so hectic keeping things clean and staying on top of my kids to wash their hands.  It’s so important.

There are not very many ways to prevent this, washing your hands is a biggie.  This virus can be passed through the air by a sneeze or cough.  You can’t run from it and have to let it run its course. Get as informed about this as possible, the CDC provides great information, along with a site called kids Health, I’ll provide both links below.  The best thing for you to do, is stay calm. Encourage the food and drink as often as possible and stay on top of the recommendations from the doctor.  This will pass and your little one will be up and running sooner than later.

 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope this post helps some of you out there who may be going through this or just to help prevent it from spreading.  Keep sharing my blog so together we can strive for mommy success!

 

XOXO,

Reina

 

http://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/hfm.html?tracking=P_RelatedArticle