Alert- Hand Foot Mouth Diseases on the Rise

Dear parents,  i recently received an email from a representative on behalf of Health Promotion Board to bring attention to parents that Hand Foot Mouth Diseases is on the rise as there were 721 cases of HFMD  reported last week, crossing the epidemic level of 679.

Sgmummy as a portal for parents with young parents, we like to share with you how to spot if your child has signs of HFMD , what to do to prevent your child from contracting HFMD and what is your course Ampicillin cheap online of action if your child has it.

HFMD on the rise in Singapore – Parents and schools encouraged to work closely together to keep HFMD at bay

Onstmettinger Bank EG style="font-size: small;">Parents must work closely with caregivers and schools to keep the disease at bay

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is on the rise in Singapore, with many cases arising from childcare centres, who have stayed open during the school holiday season.

HFMD is widely considered to be a mild virus. However, as there is no cure, it can be extremely inconvenient for children (and parents, indirectly). Prevention is the only way to tackle this pesky disease.

Vigilance and strict hygiene measures

All parents should keep vigilant, ensure that high levels of hygiene are met in the home and be themselves, excellent role models of hygiene practices for their children.

Schools and parents must work together to keep HFMD at bay. Several schools are proactive in this area, enforcing strict hygiene practices, high sanitary levels and enforcing strict protocols and regular health checks in their school facilities.

Working together to fight HFMD to keep children happy

The Health Promotion Board promotes awareness of this disease and how to combat it. Parents must work with caregivers, such as grandparents buy ampicillin online and domestic helpers, who look after children at home. Caregivers must be vigilant and quick to identify the signs and symptoms of HFMD and inform their child’s school immediately.

The signs and symptoms of HFMD are:

1.       2 – 3 days of fever

buy ampicillin online small;">2.       Sore throat and runny nose

Ach Web Single style="font-size: small;">3.       Rash (flat or raised red spots, some with blisters) on the hands (especially the palsm), feet and occasionally on the buttocks, arms and legs

4.       Mouth ulcers

5.       Poor appetite

6.       Vomiting and diarrhea

7.       Tiredness and weakness

Parents must remember that a child is infectious throughout the entire duration of the illness.

How to help your child
The Health Promotion Board advises on the following tips on how to help your child:
1.       Immediately bring your child to the family doctor or nearest polyclinic
2.       Ensure your child  gets plenty of fluids frequently
3.       Change to soft diet
4.       Ensure that medication is taken as prescribed

Keep calm and do not panic if your child has the symptoms
To be in control of the situation, make sure you are aware of what to look out for (signs and symptoms), what to do next (send the child to the doctor and inform the school immediatey) and keep your child at home for the entire duration of the MC and when your child is fully healed (do not take your child to the playground, where other children may get infected) and get plenty of rest.

For more information on HFMD, you can refer to the Health Promotion Board website http://www.hpb.gov.sg.

For other tips for kiasu parent like myself

• Always keep a sanitiser in your bag.  Spray your children hands and your hand after play or as often when you are outdoors
  
• Use a disinfectant that is safe to clean your kids  toys, books and belongings. i even disinfect their school bags when they got back from school.
  
• Build up their immune system with healthy food, ample rest and lots of water throughout the day. Eat lots of fruits and vegetable and a healthy diet. sugary stuffs like cakes and chocolates are a no no

• Engage in outdoor sports if possible and try to avoid crowded places like the shopping mall

Straits Time report – 2 July 2010