Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is one of the most common childhood illnesses in Singapore. Most cases are mild, but one cough, one sneeze, one shared toy—that’s all it takes for the illness to spread like wildfire in schools and childcare centres!
That said, by building a few smart habits into your child’s routine, you can reduce their risk of HMFD, help stop the spread and give yourself greater peace of mind.
Here’s how:
1. Wash Hands Frequently
Encourage your child to wash their hands with soap and water, especially before meals, after using the toilet, and after coming home from school or the playground. Teach them the 7 essential steps of hand washing to make sure their hands are clean. Good hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to stop HFMD from spreading!
2. Keep Toys and Surfaces Clean
HFMD viruses can survive on toys, tables and other shared items for days. Wipe down toys, books and high-touch surfaces with disinfectant regularly to protect your child and others in the household.
3. Teach Children Good Hygiene Habits
Teach your child simple actions such as covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing to stop the spread of germs. Get them used to wearing a mask in crowded places, and to avoid sharing food, cups and utensils with others.
4. Boost Immunity Against HMFD with Nutrition
A healthy immune system makes it easier for children to fight infections. So ensure your child has a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You can also boost immunity further with kids’ vitamins and health supplements.
5. Monitor for Early Symptoms of HFMD
Look out for signs of HFMD, such as fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers or a rash on the hands and feet. If your child is unwell, keep them at home and visit a doctor early to avoid spreading the illness to others.
HMFD can be worrying, but it is preventable! Good personal hygiene is the best defence – from frequent handwashing to keeping your child’s surroundings clean and practising healthy habits every day. Small steps like washing hands before meals, sanitising toys, and maintaining a balanced diet go a long way in keeping the virus at bay! And if you need help finding the right vitamins, immunity boosters to protect your family further, visit your nearest Unity store and speak to a friendly pharmacist for help!
