Nowadays, when it comes to the epidemics, it seems that only the COVID-19 will occur to the general public immediately. And as the weather warms up, other infectious diseases are also on the rise. We are now undergoing the peak period of HFMD. According to the previous years, the HFMD epidemic starts to break out in March every year, with the first peak occurring from April to July. Since children’s immunity has not yet been fully developed, they are susceptible to a variety of pathogens.
1. What Is HFMD?
HFMD is a worldwide infectious disease caused by multiple human enteroviruses that prefer hot and humid environments and occur mostly in children aged 5 and younger (especially infants and toddlers aged 1-2). HFMD is highly prevalent from April to July and highly contagious, and prone to break out in collective places such as kindergartens and schools.
2. The Causes of HFMD
HFMD is an infectious disease caused CV-A16, CV-A6, EV-A71, and Echovirus. These viruses often come from children with HFMD and latent infections, and their feces, throat secretions, saliva and even herpes fluid contain a large amount of viruses. Infants and children can be infected when they touch contaminated hands, toys, towels and other objects, breathe in droplets containing the viruses, and eat contaminated food and water.
3. The Symptoms of HFMD
If the children are infected with HFMD, they may have a fever with body temperature over 38℃, accompanied by headache, cough, runny nose and other symptoms. In addition, the blister-like sores can be seen on babies’ skin, especially around their mouth and on their hands and feet.
4. How to prevent and treat HFMD?
(1) Wash hands frequently. Parents should help babies to wash their hands with soap or hand sanitizer under running water. AIWIBI Baby Wet Wipes can also be used before babies eat food and touch their mouths or after they go to the toilet and touch infected blisters.
(2) Change baby diapers timely. It is of great significance to change the diapers for the babies in a timely manner and keep baby’s skin dry and clean, so as to prevent babies away from bacteria and even viruses.
(3) Pay attention to the diet. Parents should pay special attention to the food eaten by babies or kids, and remember not to let them eat the food that is half-cooked or dirty.
(4) Keep indoor ventilation. Open the window to let fresh air in when staying at home, and do not take babies to crowded public places, so as to keep distance with the infected kids.