Hand washing can prevent spread of HFMD

A HEALTH expert on Friday said frequent hand washing can prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease (HMFD).

«Wash your hands after using the toilet, after defecating or changing diapers, and before eating,» said Maria Christina Batac, vice chairman of Community Dermatology in the Department of Dermatology, during a media briefing by the Department of Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said HFMD, a common illness caused by enteroviruses, is characterized by symptoms that include fever, sore throat, painful blisters, and mouth sores.

The symptoms were generally mild and last about seven to 10 days.

The disease, while self-limiting, can spread quickly in schools and daycare centers.

Batac said it is transmitted through the fecal-oral route and respiratory droplets.

She added that children under the age of 10 are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Besides hand washing, Batac said disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and isolating infected individuals would help in preventing the spread of HFMD.

Via Bianca Ramones