Latest news with #HFMD
AsiaOne
13-07-2025
- Health
- AsiaOne
I thought childbirth was painful. Then I caught my baby's hand, foot and mouth disease, Lifestyle News
Three days before her first birthday, my baby caught the dreaded hand, foot, and mouth disease, also known as HFMD. I knew it'd be pretty bad (babies and mouth ulcers, worst combination ever), but what I didn't expect was how easy it'd be for me, a person in her late 30s, to catch it from her. A quick Google search led to loads of Reddit posts from adults comparing the pain to being dipped in hellfire, but I dismissed this as internet hyperbole and figured that since HFMD was a kids' thing, I'd be back to work after a couple days of low-grade fevers and mild itching. Turns out Reddit was right. HFMD is not mild. HFMD is a medieval plague. It is a biblical pestilence that left me both physically and emotionally scarred. Case in point: it's been more than a month, and I'm still moulting (yes, like a snake). When I saw the news this week about an outbreak of HFMD in Thailand, something clicked: most of the messaging around HFMD centres around how parents can safeguard their kids, but no one talks about how brutal it is — or what it even feels like — to kena the virus yourself. While kids under five might be more prone to catching HFMD, I learnt the hard way that it's certainly not a "kids' thing". Day 1: Denial My symptoms began just as my baby's rashes were starting to fade. Like her, I developed a fever out of nowhere, my temperature spiking to 38 degrees over breakfast. "It can't be HFMD," I told myself, even as my throat began to prickle. Maybe this was just the final vestiges of laryngitis? My voice had sounded funny for two weeks prior to this. There was no way that hadn't afforded me some immunity, right? Only while eating a burger that night did it dawn on me that this was no ordinary sore throat. Every morsel lit my mouth aflame. Even fruits and water made it sting. My husband passed me his all-powerful army torchlight so I could get a closer look — three "whiteheads" on my soft palate. I figured it was Covid again, citing the rise in numbers that month. Days 2: Reality check My fever persisted throughout the night and into the next morning, hovering at 38.3 degrees between doses of paracetamol and ibuprofen. Feeling paranoid, I checked my hands and feet — no rashes, aside from a couple of ambiguous bumps on the side of one finger, but the number of white spots in my throat now numbered eight. I tried eating warm porridge for lunch. Pain sia . Drank room temperature water — might as well have swallowed lava. I called telehealth with my suspicions, but without lesions on my hands and feet, they could only diagnose it as a run-of-the-mill respiratory virus. By then, I'd launched into a full-fledged Reddit spiral, where I gathered that if it was indeed HFMD, days two through five would be the worst. Most people couldn't eat, sleep, walk, talk, or even type without pain. At 2.45pm, I did another mouth blister check — the whitehead-esque ulcers had multiplied to 15, almost double the amount since that morning. At 3.30pm, I studied my hands and feet for what felt like the 100th time that day, and at long last, I received the confirmation I needed: a pale red rash on the soles of my feet. Things only got worse from there. At 9pm, I noticed more bumps appearing on the sides of my fingers. At 11pm, walking started to feel funny, as if I were standing on pins and needles. Our household needed a designated survivor. I banished my husband to the living room, filled my water bottle with cold water — as per the internet's recommendation — and hunkered down for a long night ahead. Days 3 and 4: Prolonged misery The following days were more of the same, except worse. My fever subsided once the rashes appeared, but my throat continued spawning new ulcers by the hour. By the afternoon of Day 3, I counted more than 20 all along my tonsils, my soft palate, my uvula, along the sides of my cheeks, and in the back of my throat. Based on how much it hurt to even swallow saliva, I suspected there were just as many down my throat, far beyond the reaches of hubby's trusty torchlight. That's not even including the small bumps that were starting to form on my tongue, which had since grown swollen and fuzzy, as if I'd burnt it drinking hot soup. Meanwhile, I began to understand why people had compared the pain of the rashes to being dipped in hellfire. My feet, growing increasingly mottled, were unbearably itchy, raw, and hot. My fingertips too: the last time I'd felt pain of that magnitude was after a long afternoon of bouldering, except that this time the stinging pulsed relentlessly, leaving me with little to do but sit on the bed watching hours of Netflix. As if things couldn't get any worse, a spray of red spots along the roof of my mouth erupted into some kind of rash, making it near-impossible for me to talk without feeling like I was gargling a mouthful of bleach. You're probably wondering if there was anything I could've done to expedite my healing or keep the symptoms at bay. To which I answer: Nope! You know things are bad when the GP says "Oh s***" after seeing your feet. He explained to me that since HFMD is a self-limiting virus (i.e. it will go away on its own), that there was nothing I could do but take more painkillers and tahan the symptoms. Days 5-10: The light at the end of the tunnel Reddit was right: Things typically start to turn around between Day 5 and 6. I still had too many ulcers to count, but they felt slightly less raw, which allowed me to finally eat something other than yogurt (more on that later). From there, the symptoms began to abate as quickly as they'd arrived. The rash on my feet got darker, but started hurting less. The blisters on my fingertips began to dry. The white spots in my throat began to shrink. I could go around the house without feeling like I was walking barefoot on hot sand. The recovery stage was more or less bearable, although certainly not pretty. It took about four to five more days for the pain to completely subside, which was followed by an ongoing period of peeling. My tips for surviving HFMD as an adult Ice, ice, baby While conventional wisdom usually calls for warm tea or chicken soup to soothe a sore throat, you'll feel much better when numbing the ulcers with ice cold water. Stock up on ice cream and make sure your fridge has plenty of ice cubes. Same goes for the skin lesions. Soaking your feet and hands in cold water will give you a bit of relief after the burning sensation sets in. Still can't deal with the itching? Try diaper rash cream Slather extra-strength diaper cream — the kind containing zinc oxide — all over your feet, put on your lightest pair of socks, and give yourself permission to spend the day in bed. The best (and worst) foods You'd think that salt would feel awful, but eating anything remotely acidic, like fruits, felt worse. Anything with sugar also triggered the pain, but dairy soothes it, so by Day 3, I was on a steady diet of plain yogurt and yogurt drinks. In a cruel twist of fate, HFMD isn't one of those viruses that curbs your appetite. If anything, I felt weak with hunger because of how little I could eat thanks to the mouth sores. I wanted to gorge down everything in sight, but consuming anything other than cold yogurt and iced water was pure agony. At least I finally managed to shed the last of my pregnancy weight? When can I go back out again? While schools typically disallow kids with HFMD from attending until they've gotten clearance from a doctor, adults with the disease can technically still go to work and to social functions since there's no quarantine order for them. However, if Covid has taught us anything, we should look out for the immunocompromised by lying low until we've recovered. HFMD symptoms typically resolve in 7 to 10 days, and true enough, I only felt up to going out on day 7, and strong enough to work after day 10. Look out for your neighbours, give yourself a chance to get well, and stay home! Preventing HFMD While getting HFMD as a child is almost a rite of passage nowadays, getting it as an adult is pretty avoidable if you practice proper hygiene at home. Once your kid starts showing symptoms, tap into your Covid-era protocols (the last thing you want is to kena while also taking care of a sick kid!). Mask up, wash your hands regularly, and disinfect all surfaces with Clorox once your kid's asleep. Use serving utensils during meals, avoid sharing drinks or food, and save kisses for when everyone's well. [[nid:718823]] This article was first published in .
Free Malaysia Today
10-07-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
How parents can better protect their children from HFMD
As of May, the health ministry reported 99,601 cases of HFMD versus 27,236 cases in the same period last year – a 266% increase. (Freepik pic) KUALA LUMPUR : The country is experiencing a significant surge in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), with the health ministry in May reporting 99,601 cases nationwide versus 27,236 in the same period last year – a staggering The country is experiencing a significant surge in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), with the health ministry in May reporting 99,601 cases nationwide versus 27,236 in the same period last year – a staggering 266% increase With young children particularly vulnerable, parents are advised to take practical measures to protect their families from this highly contagious illness. General paediatrician Dr Ch'ng Tong Wei shares several reasons for the spike. 'HFMD tends to peak in Malaysia after the March-April heat and into the first half of the southwest monsoon wet season,' she explained. 'Warm, humid weather allows the virus to survive longer on hands, toys and surfaces.' Crowded conditions in nurseries and kindergartens also contribute to the spread, especially among young children who frequently put their hands and toys in their mouths. Furthermore, as Ch'ng points out, 'Covid‑era distancing left young children with fewer viral exposures. As life returned to normal, a larger pool of susceptible toddlers emerged'. Who is most at risk? Children under age six account for around 80% of HFMD cases in Malaysia, with toddlers aged one to three facing the highest risk owing to underdeveloped immune systems and frequent hand-to-mouth behaviour. Most HFMD symptoms are mild, lasting between three and seven days. Symptoms include fever, mouth ulcers and blisters, and complications such as dehydration. In rare cases, viral meningitis can occur. 'If your child develops a high fever, seizures, a stiff neck, or breathing difficulties, seek emergency care immediately,' Ch'ng advised. How it spreads HFMD spreads through saliva, nasal discharge, blister fluid, faeces, and contaminated surfaces. In warm and damp environments, the virus can survive for days, making high-touch areas at home and in childcare settings especially risky. At home, key contamination zones include: stuffed animals and plastic toys; dining tables and high chairs; toilet handles and bathroom sinks; and electronic devices such as tablets. HFMD can spread easily among those in close contact, especially in situations where utensils or toys are shared. (Envato Elements pic) In childcare facilities, pay close attention to: shared art supplies and books; playmats and water fountains. Prevention Protecting your child from HFMD doesn't require drastic changes, but it does take consistency, awareness, and a few smart habits. According to Ch'ng, prevention begins with the basics: hygiene, cleanliness, and early isolation when someone falls ill. Here are her top recommendations for parents: Handwashing: Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, especially after diaper changes, toilet use, and before meals. Toy rotation system: Provide a 'clean box' and a 'used box'. Disinfect used toys before putting them back in play. Surface cleaning: Wipe down high-touch areas like doorknobs and switches daily. Ventilate: Let in the fresh air, which helps reduce viral load in indoor spaces. Isolate if sick: If a child is infected, avoid playdates and keep them apart from siblings as much as possible. Parents are also advised to maintain long-term hygiene habits such as keeping children's nails trimmed and discouraging finger-sucking or nail-biting. While the spike in cases is cause for concern, there are many easy and effective ways to safeguard children from HFMD. By combining strong hygiene practices with smart, health-forward home improvements, parents can create environments wherein children feel safe and free to thrive.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Cases of hand, foot & mouth disease on rise in monsoon
Ranchi: Amid the ongoing monsoon, paediatricians in the city are witnessing rising cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), especially among children aged between 1 and 5 years, since the last week. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Doctors across district hospitals and private clinics have reported a surge in consultations involving symptoms such as fever, painful mouth sores, and rashes or blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks. According to medical experts, HFMD, a highly contagious viral illness, is primarily caused by the coxsackievirus. It spreads through contact with an infected person's nasal discharge, saliva, blister fluid, or contaminated surfaces. Although considered mild in most cases, experts warn that delays in treatment or neglecting hygiene can lead to complications such as dehydration, and secondary infections. Monika Devi, a resident of Kantatoli and mother of a three-year-old girl, said, "My daughter developed a fever followed by red rashes on her hands and legs. Initially, we thought it was a mosquito allergy or heat rash, but the blisters worsened. When we consulted the doctor, he diagnosed it as HFMD. This was the first time we have heard of such a disease." Ravi Kumar, father of a two-year-old boy in Kadru, said, "He refused to eat or drink anything because his mouth was sore. We took him to a paediatrician who confirmed HFMD. Then the treatment continued." Dr Anitabh Kumar from New Born and Child Specialist Clinic, said, "Within a day or two, painful red spots appear in the mouth, and later, rashes develop on hands and feet. The number of cases has seen a steady rise over the past three days, with over 10 new patients being reported daily which was earlier zero. " Dr Rajesh Kumar, director of Balpan Hospital, said, "This virus thrives in humid conditions, making monsoon the peak season for outbreaks. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Frequent hand washing, cleaning toys and surfaces, and avoiding close contact with infected children are key to preventing transmission." While there is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD, doctors recommend maintaining hydration, and applying soothing lotions for blisters. "While most cases are mild, timely care and hygiene play a crucial role in recovery and preventing outbreaks," said Dr Amit Mohan, a paediatrician in Kadru.
News18
03-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Why Kids Fall Sick Every Monsoon - And It's Not Just Cough and Cold Anymore
Last Updated: The sound of rain may feel romantic to some, but for parents? It's a seasonal alarm bell. Not just puddles and power cuts, an annual wave of infections that hit kids the hardest. Warm clothes? Check. Fever meds? Check. Mosquito repellents, cough syrup, a thermos full of warm water? Check. This isn't a camping checklist. This is what Megha Gopinath, mother of two school-going kids aged 13 and 8 in Bengaluru, ticks off every morning once the monsoon arrives. 'The moment one of them starts coughing, turmeric milk becomes non-negotiable. Thankfully, they aren't fussy anymore; they got used to it during COVID," she says, juggling tiffin boxes and umbrellas. The sound of rain may feel romantic to some, but for parents? It's a seasonal alarm bell. Monsoon doesn't just bring puddles and power cuts, it brings an annual wave of infections that hit kids the hardest. Why Monsoon = Virus Party for Kids 'This weather is perfect for viruses," warns Dr. Vishwanath Bhat B K, Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Radhakrishna Multispeciality Hospital, Bengaluru. 'High humidity triggers viruses to come out of dormancy. This muggy weather becomes a breeding ground for respiratory, skin, and digestive infections." The most common? Respiratory infections like bronchiolitis, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and influenza variants like H1N1. Particularly, infants aged between 2 months to 2 years are highly vulnerable, says Dr. Bhat. 'The good part is most viral infections in children are self-limiting. They resolve with good supportive care," he adds. The sniffles and sore throats are just the opening act. 'Respiratory issues that escalate rapidly in kids under six are a real worry," says Dr. Mounnish Balaji, Pediatric Pulmonologist – allergy and sleep specialist at Ankura Hospital for Women and Child, Pune. What starts as a cold can often end up as wheezing, pneumonia, or bronchiolitis. The cold virus can slip down to the lungs, shrinking the tiny airways. 'Unlike adults, 90% of wheezing in children shows up as repeated coughing and disturbed sleep, not classic breathing difficulty," Dr. Balaji explains. 'Out of every 20 patients I see, 12 are wheezers this season." The Nebulizer Mistake Most Parents Make Dr. Balaji highlights a major error: overuse of nebulizers. 'Parents think nebulizing is the treatment. It's not. It's an emergency relief trick." The real fix? 'Target the airway inflammation itself using inhalers and controller medications not just open the airway temporarily." Visiting a paediatrician is definitely the key here. New Trouble This Monsoon: HFMD and Stomach Bugs Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Paediatricians across cities are reporting a sharp rise in HFMD — a contagious viral infection that causes red rashes, painful blisters on hands, feet, mouth, and sometimes the buttocks. It typically affects children below 10 years. 'HFMD spreads rapidly in schools and playgroups. Most cases resolve in 7–10 days, but it's highly uncomfortable with painful mouth sores and fever. Reddish rashes around the neck is a definite indication" warns Dr. Bhat. HFMD spreads through saliva, nasal discharge, and surfaces, making classrooms and playgrounds high-risk spaces. Digestive Infections on the Rise It's not just cough and cold. Monsoon also brings a surge in stomach infections — from mild food poisoning to viral gastroenteritis. 'Cases of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration among children are also very common this season" says Dr. Balaji. The culprits? Contaminated water, street food, and poor hygiene. 'Digestive infections weaken immunity further, making kids more susceptible to secondary infections like respiratory viruses or skin infections," he adds. When to See the Doctor – No Delays Here If fever persists beyond 3 days. If cough doesn't settle after 5 days. Rashes, mouth sores, or blisters If there's diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration (dry lips, low urine output). If child has difficulty breathing, noisy wheezing, or poor sleep due to cough. Do's: Stick to home-cooked, warm meals. Apply mosquito repellent creams. Avoid sprays indoors to reduce respiratory triggers. Change clothes immediately after school; a hot shower is even better. Teach and enforce handwashing and foot cleaning. Keep sick kids at home – whether it's cough, fever, or even mild diarrhea. HFMD and viral infections spread like wildfire in classrooms. Don'ts: Don't rely solely on nebulizers. Use them only with pediatrician advice. Avoid street food, raw salads, and uncovered snacks during the monsoon. Don't ignore persistent coughs, it could signal deeper lung involvement. Stop sending kids to crowded classes or play areas if they're unwell. Why This Monsoon Feels Worse Than Usual 'Post-COVID, children's immunity has changed. We're seeing higher numbers of RSV, HFMD, and gastrointestinal infections than we did 5 years ago," Dr. Bhat points out. Data backs this up. A 2023 Lancet study on post-pandemic immunity trends found that respiratory and digestive infections among children in urban India surged by nearly 28% compared to pre-2020 levels. Prevention Beats Cure. Always. Doctors agree on one thing prevention is your best medicine this monsoon. A disciplined routine of hygiene, hydration, and prompt care can save parents weeks of worry. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : child health monsoon care tips Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 15:18 IST News lifestyle Why Kids Fall Sick Every Monsoon - And It's Not Just Cough and Cold Anymore
The Star
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Thailand warns of hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak
BANGKOK: The Thai government has issued a public health advisory warning parents to be on the alert for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a contagious illness that spreads rapidly among young children during the rainy season. Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak announced on June 28 that the Department of Disease Control (DDC) under the Ministry of Public Health has detected a significant rise in HFMD cases as cool and humid conditions set in. He stressed that parents must ensure proper hygiene and health monitoring for their children, particularly those under five, who are the most vulnerable. 'As the rainy season begins, increased humidity creates ideal conditions for the spread of communicable diseases, especially among young children,' said Anukool. Between Jan 1 and June 25, 2025, Thailand recorded 21,315 HFMD cases. The disease, caused by enteroviruses (most commonly coxsackievirus), often reappears in children even after previous infection. It spreads through contact with nasal secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters or sores and contaminated objects or surfaces. The DDC notes that outbreaks are most common between June and August. Typical symptoms include low-grade fever, painful sores inside the mouth – particularly on the soft palate, cheeks and tongue – making infants refuse milk or food, and drooling. Children may also develop red rashes or small fluid-filled blisters on the palms, soles and torso. Parents should seek medical attention immediately if their child shows worsening symptoms, such as high fever, difficulty eating or drinking, lethargy, seizures, rapid breathing or persistent vomiting. Parents should encourage frequent handwashing with soap, especially before and after meals, and after using the toilet or playing. Toys, eating utensils and surfaces should be regularly cleaned. Families should avoid sharing personal items such as cups, spoons and towels. Teachers and schools should strictly screen children each morning. Sick children should be sent home and kept out of school until fully recovered. If two or more students in the same classroom fall ill within a week, the classroom should be closed for at least one day for cleaning. Health screening should continue for another week to monitor for new cases. Anukool concluded by urging parents to help strengthen their children's immune systems. 'Children should eat a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables; get eight to 10 hours of sleep each night; maintain good hygiene; and receive appropriate vaccinations,' he said. 'If your child shows any concerning symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Early action is key to keeping our children safe, especially during the rainy season.' - The Nation/ANN
