Phil Kieran: How do I stop my toddler getting hand, foot, and mouth disease again?
Young children often have their hands in their mouths and cough and sneeze all over each other. This is why this infection is so common in this age group.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is one of the most common illnesses children get. It typically occurs in children younger than five and is highly contagious. It is caused by enteroviruses (usually the Coxsackie virus) and can be caused by a number of different strains.
In most cases, the child will develop a low-grade fever above 38°C but usually below 39°C. They may complain of a sore throat or mouth and frequently be off their food. There will almost always be red lesions in the mouth and around the buttocks. As the name suggests, they can get red spots on the hands and feet, too (often affecting the palms of the hands). The rash on the hands and feet is usually not sore or itchy, although it can be.
The usual incubation time for hand, foot and mouth is three to five days — the child will most likely pick it up from another child. The virus is shed in the stool, so not washing hands after wiping a bum is a surefire way to spread it. It is also highly transmissible through oral secretions and respiratory secretions.
Young children often have their hands in their mouths and cough and sneeze all over each other. This is why this infection is so common in this age group.
The illness is usually pretty mild and doesn’t require any treatment. If your child is eating less, giving them cold foods and drinks can be easier, as they soothe the mouth. You can also give paracetamol as pain relief — and if they are drinking enough, you can use ibuprofen. I am always a little more cautious with ibuprofen, as it can cause problems in dehydrated children.
As hand, foot and mouth disease can be caused by several different strains of enterovirus, it is possible to contract it more than once. Reassuringly, though, it is rare to have recurrent bouts. For most people, if they get it again, it is so mild it doesn’t cause a rash, a temperature or any soreness in the mouth.
Teaching your son good respiratory etiquette is essential to reduce the risk of contracting this disease again and as a responsible habit to reduce the risk of passing on infections. Teach him to cover his mouth and nose when he sneezes, put the tissue into the bin, and wash or sanitise his hands.
Also, careful hand washing after going to the toilet and before eating is important.
- If you have a question for Dr Phil Kieran, please send it to parenting@examiner.ie
