Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common but highly contagious viral illness that predominantly affects children under five years old. While most cases are mild, the rapid spread of the disease—especially in childcare centres, preschools, and among siblings at home—makes prevention a serious priority.
The good news? With consistent hygiene practices and vigilant monitoring, many HFMD outbreaks can be prevented or limited in scope. Whether you’re a parent managing a busy household or an educator in charge of a room full of toddlers, proactive strategies make all the difference.
Understanding HFMD Transmission
HFMD spreads through:
- Contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or blister fluid
- Touching contaminated surfaces or toys
- Contact with stool (e.g., during diaper changes)
- Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
Children are most contagious in the first week of illness but may continue shedding the virus through stool for weeks. This means even children who appear to be recovering can still pass the virus to others.
Prevention at Home: What Parents Can Do
1. Encourage Frequent Handwashing
Teach and assist your child to wash hands with soap and running water:
- After using the toilet or changing diapers
- Before meals or snacks
- After blowing their nose or sneezing
Use a child-friendly handwashing song or visual guide to reinforce the habit.
2. Disinfect Commonly Touched Surfaces
Viruses can survive on surfaces like tabletops, toys, and doorknobs. Wipe down high-touch areas daily using diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or an approved disinfectant.
3. Don’t Share Personal Items
Avoid sharing items such as towels, drinking cups, eating utensils, or toothbrushes between family members.
4. Monitor for Early Symptoms
Check for fever, oral ulcers, or rashes on the hands, feet, and buttocks. If symptoms appear, keep the child home and inform your child’s daycare or preschool immediately.
5. Isolate When Necessary
If one child falls ill, try to limit their contact with siblings. Assign separate towels, utensils, and rest areas where possible.
Prevention at Daycare and Preschool
Daycare settings are high-risk environments due to close physical contact, shared toys, and group activities. Implementing the following measures can significantly reduce outbreak risks:
1. Health Screening at Drop-off
Conduct temperature checks and visual assessments each morning. Children with fever, rash, or ulcers should be sent home and only return upon full recovery.
2. Hand Hygiene Protocols
Set regular handwashing times—on arrival, before and after meals, after outdoor play, and after restroom use. Ensure caregivers model the behavior consistently.
3. Toy Cleaning Routines
Disinfect toys at the end of each day, especially those frequently mouthed or handled. Use washable toys where possible and avoid plush toys during peak outbreak seasons.
4. Environmental Cleaning
Clean and disinfect tables, chairs, bathroom fixtures, and play mats daily. Increase cleaning frequency during HFMD outbreaks.
5. Sick Child Policy
Have a clear, enforced policy for exclusion and return. Generally, children with HFMD should stay home until:
- Fever has resolved for at least 24 hours
- Blisters are dry or healing
- The child is eating, drinking, and active again
Always follow guidelines set by your local health authority.
Communication Matters
Keep lines of communication open between caregivers, staff, and parents. Prompt notification when a case of HFMD arises allows others to increase vigilance, disinfect more frequently, and monitor symptoms at home.
Tips for Effective Communication:
- Provide handouts or posters about HFMD symptoms and prevention
- Send newsletters or messages when cases are reported
- Offer reassurance and facts—not fear—to maintain trust and calm
Long-Term Habits That Reduce Risk
- Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or elbow
- Encourage regular trimming of fingernails (to reduce scratching and virus spread)
- Foster a culture of cleanliness and self-awareness from an early age