Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious illness in children under five, particularly those under three. It is caused by a group of enteroviruses, mainly Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and Coxsackievirus A16. Key symptoms include fever, painful mouth sores, and a blistering rash on the hands and feet. These painful mouth sores are the primary reason children drool excessively, become reluctant to eat, cry, and drink less water or refuse breastfeeding. The discomfort makes swallowing difficult.
Parents must take children to a medical facility for examination and treatment. This is crucial to prevent severe neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular complications, which can be fatal.
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Young children tend to chew on any nearby objects, posing a high risk of contracting hand, foot, and mouth disease pathogens, even those who stay at home regularly. Vecteezy.
HFMD spreads rapidly through various routes: respiratory droplets containing the virus, direct contact like hugging or kissing, the fecal-oral route due to inadequate hygiene, and indirectly via contaminated surfaces such as tables, toys, and clothes. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD. Management focuses on symptomatic relief and nutritional support.
Early prevention of HFMD is vital, following the "3 cleans" principle: clean eating, clean living, and clean hands. Ensure food is thoroughly cooked and water is boiled. Use safe food and water sources, and avoid sharing eating utensils. Maintain a clean living environment by regularly sanitizing homes, toys, and doorknobs with disinfectant solutions. Frequent handwashing with soap is essential. Teach children proper handwashing techniques before meals and after using the toilet.
A vaccine for the EV71 strain of the virus that causes HFMD has been approved by the Ministry of Health for circulation in Vietnam. The VNVC Vaccination System is currently expediting procedures to make the vaccine available to children soon.
Dr. Nguyen Nhu Dien
Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System
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