Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: What you need to know! 👶🏾What is HFMD? HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that mostly affects infants and young children under 5. It spreads easily in crèches and daycare centres, especially during summer and autumn. ⚠️ Symptoms to watch For: ✔️ Fever ✔️ Sore throat ✔️ Painful mouth sores ✔️ Blisters on hands, feet & buttocks ✔️ Feeling unwell 💊 How to treat It: There’s no cure, but it usually clears up in 7-10 days. You can: •⁠ ⁠Give pain relievers like Panado / Calpol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen •⁠ ⁠Offer plenty of fluids (but avoid acidic drinks like orange juice) •⁠ ⁠Use saltwater gargles for sore throats •⁠ ⁠Apply topical oral anaesthetics for painful mouth sores Prevention tips for Mamas: 🧼 Wash hands with soap regularly 🧽 Clean & disinfect surfaces frequently 🚸 Avoid close contact with infected kids 🐶 HFMD Myths Busted! ❌ It’s NOT from animals – it’s a human virus ❌ It’s NOT the same as foot-and-mouth disease in farm animals If your little one shows symptoms, keep them home, keep them hydrated, and let their body fight it off. #sidebysideza #hfmd #healthforbabies #supportingmoms #earlychildhoodhealth