Journal entry 10

Health Alert:

It has come to our attention that there has been a case of hand foot mouth diesease.

What is it:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than 5 years old. However, it can sometimes occur in adults.

What are the symtoms of hand foot mouth disease?
Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease include fever, blister-like sores in the mouth (herpangina), and a skin rash.

How is it spread?

The viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) can be found in an infected person’s:

• nose and throat secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus),
• blister fluid, and
• feces (stool).

An infected person may spread the viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease through:

• close personal contact,
• the air (through coughing or sneezing),
• contact with feces,
• contaminated objects and surfaces.

What can you to do to prevent it?

There is no vaccine to protect against the viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease.

A person can lower their risk of being infected by

• Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet. Visit CDC’s Clean Hands Save Lives! for more information.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys.
• Avoiding close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with people with hand, foot, and mouth disease.

If a person has mouth sores, it might be painful to swallow. However, drinking liquids is important to stay hydrated. If a person cannot swallow enough liquids, these may need to be given through an IV in their vein.

How can you treat this disease?

There is no specific treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease. However, some things can be done to relieve symptoms, such as

• Taking over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and fever (Caution: Aspirin should not be given to children.)
• Using mouthwashes or sprays that numb mouth pain

Persons who are concerned about their symptoms should contact their health care provider.

What are we doing to prevent this?

As a child care facility we are keeping the childrens hands washed and keeping all the toys disinfected with bleach.