Personal Response 3: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hi children. We`ll be doing our 3rd piece of personal response this week. Let`s visit the website of Health Promotion Board.
First, go to this link: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/hpb/default.asp?pg_id=865&aid=272
Read the article on Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.
You may also click on the additional links shown on the right-hand side of the page.
Read these articles and give your opinion and comments about them. To guide you in you in writing your personal response, here are some questions:

Why is it important for children to be kept away from crowded public places if they should signs of infection?
Why is it essential to follow good hygiene practices?
What does 'good hygiene practices' mean to you?

~~Reflection~~

Hand, Food and Disease is contagious which can spread easily among places which have a lot of people like shopping centres, food courts and restaurants. We must also have good hygiene practises like washing your hands before eating. Wash hands with soap before eating and after going to the toilet. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Do not share eating utensils. Ensure that toys or appliances that are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions should be cleaned before they are used again. Here are some Symptoms to look out for:

1. Fever
   
2. Sore Throat
   
3. Ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue
   
4. Headache
   
5. a Rash with vesicles (small blisters-- 3-7 mm) on hands, feet and diaper area. The vesicles are typically on the palm side of the hands the sole side of the feet and very characteristic in appearance.
   
6. Loss of appetite

Here are some prevention for HFMD.

The child should be kept away from all public places (such as restaurants, playgrounds, markets and public transport) if he shows signs of infection. Also, keep the child home from school. Family members are advised to follow good hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing, to limit the spread of the infection and to look out for signs and symptoms of other members within the household.

Children with HFMD should remain at home until all the blisters have dried up. Consult your doctor before sending him back to the school, kindergarten or childcare centre. Keep his toys, books, eating utensils, towels and clothes separate from others.Inform the school, kindergarten, or childcare centre as soon as possible. They can monitor other children closely and take additional precautions to prevent the spread of HFMD.