As if colds, respiratory infections and the recent round of the flu haven't been enough, there have been some cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in School District No.73. This disease is generally more of an issue with younger children that share toys and play in close proximity, however as it is very communicable, it can occur in any age group.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is an illness that causes sores in or on the mouth and on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks and legs. The blisters may be painful. The first sign of infection may be a mild fever, sometimes with a runny nose or sore throat, tiredness and loss of appetite. Children are most likely to spread the disease during the first week of the illness but the virus can stay in the stool for several months and may spread to others. The virus also spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It usually takes 3 to 6 days for a person to get symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease after being exposed to the virus. In some cases there are no symptoms, or they are very mild. To help reduce the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease wash hands often with soap and warm water. Teach children to sneeze or cough into a tissue or their inner arm where the elbow flexes. This prevents the spread of airborne droplets. Encourage children to throw tissues directly in the garbage after use and to wash their hands again.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is an illness that causes sores in or on the mouth and on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks and legs. The blisters may be painful. The first sign of infection may be a mild fever, sometimes with a runny nose or sore throat, tiredness and loss of appetite. Children are most likely to spread the disease during the first week of the illness but the virus can stay in the stool for several months and may spread to others. The virus also spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It usually takes 3 to 6 days for a person to get symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease after being exposed to the virus. In some cases there are no symptoms, or they are very mild. To help reduce the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease wash hands often with soap and warm water. Teach children to sneeze or cough into a tissue or their inner arm where the elbow flexes. This prevents the spread of airborne droplets. Encourage children to throw tissues directly in the garbage after use and to wash their hands again.
