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WARNING: THE PEAK SEASON FOR HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE IS APPROACHING – AS PARENTS, YOU SHOULDN’T TAKE IT LIGHTLY!

WARNING: THE PEAK SEASON FOR HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE IS APPROACHING – AS PARENTS, YOU SHOULDN’T TAKE IT LIGHTLY!

16/07/2025

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an acute infectious disease caused by a virus, common in children under 5 years old and capable of erupting into an epidemic, especially during the peak season from August to October every year. 

Although most cases can self-resolve after 7–10 days, some cases can progress very rapidly, causing dangerous complications to the heart, lungs, and nervous system, even threatening life if not detected and managed promptly.

► How is hand-foot-mouth disease transmitted?

The disease spreads rapidly through:

  • Direct contact (kissing, hugging, sharing cups, spoons, toys…)

  • Coughing, sneezing

  • Changing diapers for children

  • Contact with blisters or surfaces containing the virus

► Common symptoms include:

  • Mild or high fever

  • Loss of appetite, sore throat, mouth ulcers

  • Blisters on the palms, feet, knees, buttocks, or around the mouth

  • Children crying, startling in their sleep

Warning: Some cases have atypical symptoms, easily confused with gingivitis, skin allergies, chickenpox… Parents should be vigilant and take their children for examination when there are unusual signs.

► When to take your child to the hospital?

Take the child for an immediate medical attention if there are signs of worsening condition:

  • Persistent high fever, not lowering despite medication

  • Lethargy, delirium, continuous startling

  • Limb weakness, unsteady gait

  • Labored breathing, frequent vomiting

  • Seizures, cyanosis

Note: Severe complications can occur within just a few hours, so do not overlook.

► How to care for children at home?

In about 90% of mild cases, parents can care for their children at home according to the following guidelines:

  • Feed the child liquid, soft, easily digestible food; drink plenty of water

  • Clean the body and mouth thoroughly every day – DO NOT avoid bathing

  • Do not apply medicine to blisters without a doctor's prescription

  • Use fever reducers and pain relievers as directed by a doctor

Absolutely do not send the child to school when sick to avoid spreading the illness!

► Preventing illness for children with “tri-hygienic rules”

1. Hygienic eating and drinking

  • Eat cooked food, drink boiled water

  • Wash eating utensils thoroughly, ideally rinse with boiling water

  • Do not let children put hands or toys in their mouths, do not share cups or spoons

2. Hygienic living environment

  • Regularly clean the house, toys, doorknobs, and table/chair surfaces

  • Avoid letting children meet people showing symptoms of illness

  • Clean the toilet properly

3. Hygienic hands and toys

  • Wash hands with soap multiple times a day

  • Do not let children use toys that have not been disinfected.

In Vietnam, hand-foot-mouth disease is among the top 10 infectious diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease and no specific treatment, with treatment primarily relying on supportive care and close monitoring of symptoms.

Parents should proactively prevent the disease for children, especially during peak seasons. If a child shows unusual symptoms, take them for early examination at a reputable medical facility for timely assessment and treatment.

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL (AIH):
☎ Hotline: (028) 3910 9999
🌏 Website: www.aih.com.vn
📍Address: (Entrance from 199 Nguyen Hoang Street) No.6, Bac Nam 3 Street, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh
  • by Admin AIH
  • In Tin tức & Sự kiện

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