MSc. Le Minh Ngo, nurse, Head of Pediatrics Department, Central Military Hospital 108, said that recently, the number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease has tended to increase in many localities, especially in young children. Parents should not be subjective because the disease can progress quickly, causing serious complications if not detected and treated promptly.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common infectious disease in children, especially children under 5 years old. The disease is mainly transmitted through the digestive tract, direct contact with nasal and throat secretions, saliva, fluid from water bubbles... School environments, kindergartens, and crowded playgrounds are places with high risk of spread.
The initial symptoms of the disease are usually fever, fatigue, sore throat, loss of appetite. Then, children may develop ulcers in the mouth, blisters in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, knees or buttocks. In most cases, the disease progresses mildly and can heal on its own after a few days if properly cared for. However, some cases can progress very quickly to severe.
Parents need to pay special attention to warning signs such as children having a high fever that is difficult to lower, being startled a lot, constantly crying, trembling hands and feet, staggering, vomiting a lot, breathing tiredly or sluggishly. When children have these symptoms, they need to be taken to a medical facility immediately for examination and timely treatment, avoiding the risk of complications affecting nerves, cardiovascular system, and respiratory function.
In addition to closely monitoring children's health, disease prevention work needs to be put first. Parents need to guide children to wash their hands regularly with soap, especially before eating and after going to the toilet; clean toys, personal belongings, floors; do not let children share glasses, spoons, and towels. When children get sick, it is necessary to let children stay home from school, limit contact with other children to avoid spreading in the community" - M.A. Le Minh Ngo advised.
Kindergartens and children's groups also need to strengthen classroom hygiene, disinfect utensils, and monitor students' health daily. If children are found to have signs of suspected illness, it is necessary to notify parents and medical facilities to have appropriate handling measures.
Hand, foot and mouth disease can be controlled if each family, school and community proactively prevent it. Early detection, proper care and taking children to the doctor when there are abnormal signs are important factors to help limit severe complications and protect children's health.
