HFMD good to know

• Most tell-tale sign is the Blister. You can probably find a couple on the feet, soles and fingers at the initial stage.
• FEVER will certainly occur, so medicate with paracetamol every 6 hourly (note: ear thermometers read higher than the ODTs - so don't panic at the readings if you are using the former)
• Blisters on mouth/lips will appear at about day 3-4. If you haven't realised its HFMD, that is another sign which tells u it is the dreadful viral (its the ulcers in the mouth that is spreading out)
• Did I say doctor did not give any oral prescription (but we had a bill of $82.40 !) I say go to a GP, no need for a paed. We were only given a tube of cream for the blisters (ZORAL) and gel (DIFFLAM) for the ulcers in the mouth (which is the major sources of irritation, as kid couldnt eat!)
• Give yogurt, ice-cream, cold milk if not coughing. Don't insist on solids if kid really refuses food (after day 4, Megan could eat her regular meals, but in reduced portion, so I make it up with her PEDIASURE).
• Avoid going out as HFMD is spread via mere contact (so if the child touches a box of cereal in the supermarket, and another kid comes along and touches the same box, he may just get the viral too). Megan got hers from holding a girl's hand for all but 5 MINUTES. And that child doesn't even have HFMD (doc says girl in question is probably a 'carrier' as she is a pre-schooler, aka 'frequent germ/viral carrier').
• Keep child away from all other children or adults with low immunity. 3 of my cousins aged 19 - 22 got the viral from Megan !!!
• Be really sympathetic - the blisters and ulcers are a real nuisance.