Vaccines… are like a shield that helps protect our health, reducing the chance of getting sick or lessening the severity that may occur. Especially for “our little ones,” who need a strong protective shield to ensure their growing bodies do not risk serious diseases, particularly the common diseases that often spread among young children. One of the concerning diseases is “Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.”
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a contagious disease commonly found in young children, especially those under 5 years old. It occurs year-round but tends to spread more during the rainy and winter seasons. It can be transmitted through contact with clear blisters, nasal mucus, saliva, and shared items. The disease is caused by two main virus strains:
- Enterovirus, especially the severe subtypes that can cause encephalitis, which can be fatal. This is the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) strain.
- Coxsackie virus, which is the strain that has been spreading this year (2022).
Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Most cases are not very severe, but if infected by Enterovirus 71 (EV71), serious complications can occur. Common symptoms include:
- Rash with blisters or inflamed sores with pus on the skin, especially on the hands, palms, feet, soles, and inside the mouth, causing pain.
- High fever for 1-2 days.
- Reduced appetite.
- Complications may include encephalitis, irregular heartbeat, respiratory distress from pulmonary edema, and can lead to death.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Vaccine… A Protective Shield for Your Child
From now on, parents don’t have to worry anymore because currently, there is a vaccine to prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease caused by Enterovirus 71, which can cause severe symptoms and encephalitis in your child.
Therefore, to prevent the disease, parents can bring their children aged 6 months to 5 years to receive the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease vaccine. It is administered as 2 intramuscular injections, one month apart. This vaccine has safety data and no severe side effects have been reported.
It is believed that all parents try their best to give the best to their children because when a child is sick, parents feel distressed and wish they could take the illness instead if possible. Therefore, the “Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease vaccine” is an excellent shield to help protect your child… and also gives parents peace of mind. So… please do not hesitate to choose this good option for your child…
Dr. Amornrat Aparnvichanop
Pediatric Specialist
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
