Check out some tips for preventing hand, foot, and mouth disease.
As the holidays approach and the weather changes, people everywhere are starting to get sick. From common colds to the newest strain of flu, it seems like everyone is getting sick. But one disease has been spreading like wildfire lately: hand, foot, and mouth disease. While it may seem like something only babies get, it has actually been making the rounds in colleges up and down the east coast over the past few months as well as in nursery schools and daycare centers. But what is this disease and how can it be prevented in your home? Let’s take a look!
What is Hand, Food, and Mouth Disease?
Hand, food, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious illness that is caused by quite a few different viruses. This disease common spreads during nice weather in the spring, summer, and fall when people can be found out and about. HFMD is commonly found in infants and children that are younger than 5 years old as they do not have the immunity against the viruses that cause HFMD. Symptoms of HFMD include:
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Feeling unwell
- Sore throat
- Painful sores in the mouth that begin as flat red spots
- Rashes of flat red spots but may blister on palms, soles of the feet, knees, elbows, buttocks, and genitals.
These symptoms may very or show up at different times depending on the person. Some people may not show symptoms but could be carriers of the disease. While HFMD is not serious, it is highly contagious and can spread to people around you.
Prevention of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
While there is no cure for HFMD, there are some things you can do to avoid contracting the disease. HFMD usually spreads throughout the summer and fall when the temperatures are more temperate. This disease can last for seven to 10 days and is spread through personal contact like touching, kissing, hugging, coughing, sneezing, contact with feces, and touching objects or surfaces that have been touched by an infected person. To prevent the spread of HFMD, you should:
- Clean your hands with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol (if soap is not available.
- Washing hands often, especially before eating.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Do not share utensils or cups with someone who is sick.
- Disinfect dirty surfaces and soiled items with a solution of bleach and water or a cleaning product that contains bleach.
In the past, this disease has spread around colleges, offices, and in schools. Make sure your loved ones don’t bring it home by passing on this vital information. For more information on hand, foot, and mouth disease, see the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. And for more information on cleaning and disinfecting your home this season, call Ivete’s Cleaning Service today!
Prevent Getting Sick with Ivete’s Cleaning Service!
If you use Ivete’s Cleaning Service, you are guaranteed to enjoy a beautiful professional residential cleaning like you have never seen before. We have provided excellent service to our residential customers for 27 years and look forward to meeting your cleaning needs. To schedule a consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 301-518-7172. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Google+!