As a parent, ensuring your child’s health and well-being is a top priority. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that primarily affects young children. Knowing how to prevent this illness can help keep your child healthy and reduce the risk of spreading it to others. At Valcourt Pediatrics in Augusta, GA, we are dedicated to providing you with the information you need to protect your child from HFMD.
Practice Good Hygiene
One of the most effective ways to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease is through proper hygiene. Teach your child to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after playing outside. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid Close Contact
HFMD is highly contagious. Encourage your child to avoid close contact with other children, especially those who show symptoms of the disease. If your child is sick, keep them home from school or daycare to prevent spreading the virus.
Disinfect Common Areas
Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that your child frequently touches, such as toys, doorknobs, and tables. This practice helps eliminate the virus and reduces the chance of infection.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Exposed to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
If your child has been exposed to hand, foot, and mouth disease, watch for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, mouth sores, or a rash on the hands and feet. Encourage frequent handwashing and avoid sharing cups, utensils, towels, or other personal items. Clean frequently touched toys and surfaces, and pay extra attention to hygiene around siblings and other family members to help reduce the chance of the virus spreading at home.
Monitor Symptoms and Stay Informed
Be aware of the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, which include fever, sore throat, and painful sores in the mouth. Staying informed can help you act quickly if your child shows signs of illness. For more details on symptoms and treatment, visit Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in Children: Symptoms and Treatment.
When to Seek Care
- Your child has a high fever that does not respond to medication.
- Your child is refusing to drink fluids and shows signs of dehydration.
- The sores in their mouth are causing significant pain.
Get Help in Augusta
At Valcourt Pediatrics, we understand the importance of personalized care for your child’s health. Our team is here to support you in keeping your child healthy and informed about diseases like HFMD.
Call Valcourt Pediatrics — (706) 955-4639
Contact us today
FAQ
What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It is most common in young children.
How is hand, foot, and mouth disease spread?
The disease spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, stool, or respiratory secretions.
Can my child get hand, foot, and mouth disease more than once?
Yes, it is possible for a child to contract hand, foot, and mouth disease more than once, as there are different strains of the virus.
About the Author
Quan Johnson, MD, FAAP is a board-certified pediatrician dedicated to helping children thrive through compassionate, family-centered care. She earned her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Johnson is passionate about building trusting relationships with families and creating a medical home where every child feels seen, supported, and cared for.
