How to Prevent Hand-Foot-Mouth-Disease

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral disease that most commonly affects infants and children. HFMD begins with a fever, loss of appetite and/or a sore throat and after one or two days, small blisters form on the inside of cheeks, tongue and throat. Those carrying the HFMD virus may also develop a rash of small, raised red bumps on the palms of their hands, soles of their feet and/or on their buttocks or genitalia. The infection is spread person to person via contact with saliva or infected stool. The following steps can help prevent HFMD from spreading.

Instructions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. Use warm water and work soap up into a lather for 20 seconds, or the length of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.

2. Clean and disinfect any surfaces or items that an infected person may have come into contact with. Be sure to wash any toys that may have come in contact with saliva.

3. Because HFMD can spread quickly in schools and daycares, keep children home until they feel well.