TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) urged the public to take precautions against the danger of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
DOH CLCHD Environmental and Occupational Health Cluster Head Lian Marie Calimutan describes HFMD as a highly contagious viral disease that can be caused by the Coxsackievirus A16 or Enterovirus 71, and commonly lasts for seven to 10 days.
Due to its highly contagious nature, Calimutan emphasized that while it is common for infants or toddlers, older individuals can also be infected.
HFMD can easily spread through person-to-person contact, droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces and objects, and direct or indirect contact with infected feces.
“A patient suffering from HFMD is at risk of dehydration, infection, and cardiorespiratory failure, hence it is important to be vigilant of the symptoms,” Calimutan pressed.
If left untreated, HFMD may lead to complications such as meningitis, encephalitis and acute flaccid paralysis.
Symptoms of the disease include sore throat, fever, poor appetite, blisters, and rashes that could irritate the patient.
There is no particular medicine or treatment for HFMD, as it is self-limiting.
“A patient suffering from HFMD can only rely on remedies to ease the pain and irritation, such as taking paracetamol or acetaminophen for the fever, gargling with warm salt water, applying ointment, and eating ice cream, sherbet, or popsicles especially for children,” Calimutan explained.
To prevent the widespread transmission of HFMD, she advised the public to practice preventive measures such as regular hand hygiene, strengthening prevention and control efforts in all settings, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
The public is reminded that if the patient still displays symptoms after 10 days, it is necessary to bring them to a higher care facility for further examination.
To address misconceptions, Calimutan clarified that HFMD is different from Foot-and-Mouth Disease among animals such as cows and pigs.
The DOH reminds the public that if a patient shows symptoms of HFMD, it is advised to inform the school or daycare they attend so immediate action, such as contact tracing and disinfection, can be taken. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
