If your child has not come home from school with a low-grade fever or the telltale blisters yet, this might be your last warning – several cases of hand, foot and mouth disease have been reported in Northern Kentucky, according to WLWT and the Northern Kentucky Health Department.
Here are the symptoms to watch for:
- Blisters toward the front of the mouth, on the sides of the tongue, inside the cheeks, and on the gums. Sores may last 7-10 days.
- Sores also may be on the palms of the hands, the fingers, and the soles of the feet.
- A low-grade fever may last 1-2 days.
- Runny nose, sore throat, or other symptoms similar to a cold may also occur.
Check out a fact sheet from the Northern Kentucky Health Department for more information.
The viral infection is highly contagious, and remains that way for several weeks after an affected person has gotten over their own symptoms. Infants and children younger than 5 years old are extremely susceptible because they are not yet immune to the viruses that cause hand, foot and mouth disease.
Prevent hand, foot and mouth disease
Here are a few tips from the Northern Kentucky Health Department for preventing hand, foot and mouth disease from affecting your loved ones:
- Frequent, careful hand washing by child care staff, children and household members.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If tissues are not available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
- Dispose of tissues and diapers properly.
- Clean, rinse with clean water, then disinfect contaminated areas (diapering area, toilets, potty chairs) and sanitize toys at least daily and when soiled.
If it’s too late for prevention, here are a few tips for treating the infection at home:
- Offer your child plenty of cool fluids. Cold foods such as yogurt and ice cream also may help.
- Don’t give your child acidic or spicy foods, such as orange juice, as these will irritate the mouth sores.
- If your child has a fever and/or is in pain, give him or her acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil). Do not give your child aspirin.
Outbreaks are common at daycare centers and preschools. To learn what to do about an outbreak at your child’s school, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
