Last month, both our six-year-old, Ziggy, and 11-month-old, Zander, suddenly got HFMD. It all started with Zander having high fever one Tuesday night. By the next morning, he already had rashes on his legs and face. A trip to the pedia confirmed that it was HFMD. I didn’t even know what that really was. Three days later, despite attempts to confine Zander, Ziggy got the same disease too.
What is HFMD?
HFMD stands for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. For those of you who have never encountered this before, let me share with you some facts about this disease.
“Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease of infants and children. It is characterized by fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and also buttocks. It is prevalent in many Asian countries.” (source: World Health Organization)
Our pedia explained that this is not the same as foot and mouth disease in animals. HFMD is caused by several types of viruses, which means that when you acquire HFMD, it will only result in immunity to one specific virus. If you get infected by another type, then you can get infected again.
Apparently, HFMD is contagious because it is airborne and it can spread from person to person by direct contact through bodily discharge from the nose and throat as well as through stool, saliva and even blisters.
Because it is airborne everyone who comes in contact with the virus is at risk but not all of them get sick. The most at risk of getting sick are children younger than 5 years old. We were also told that it is less likely for us adults to get sick even if we are exposed and that’s because most of us have already developed immunity for these types of viruses.
HFMD Symptoms:
- High fever – This is how it usually starts which is consistent with what happened to our boys.
- Sore throat, mouth sores and poor appetite
- Skin rash – It usually appears on the hands and soles of the feet, buttocks and/ or genitalia.
Our boys got all these symptoms although it was worse for Zander. Because of mouth sores, he was unable to eat solid food for three days and only avoided dehydration and hospitalization because of breastfeeding.
He got a LOT of rashes on his legs, feet, face, hands, buttocks and groin area.
Fortunately, Ziggy only got a mild case of HFMD. He got some rashes on his face, hands and feet but was more or less still the same. He had to forego going to his once a week MAPEH class though and was unable to participate in their Buwan ng Wika program.
How to Treat HFMD:
There is no treatment! Our pedia just asked us to go home and ride it out. You just have to make sure the patient doesn’t get dehydrated. If the rashes are itchy, the pedia might prescribe a topical ointment but for the most part, that’s it!
How to Prevent HFMD:
Sanitation is key! The infection can be lowered if you practice good hygiene at home. That means frequent handwashing with soap and water. You must also avoid close contact with those infected. You must keep your home clean, plus disinfect contaminated surfaces and other items such as toys, etc.
BUT, I learned that simple cleaning of contaminated items with soap and water may not be enough. You must use an effective disinfectant that targets HFMD viruses specifically.
So, knowing that, I was really excited when during that time, I was introduced to BioCair BioActive Anti-HFMD Disinfectant Spray.
BioCair BioActive Anti-HFMD Disinfectant Spray
Formulated to kill 99.999% of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71) in under 60 seconds, BioCair BioActive Anti-HFMD Disinfectant Spray disinfects surfaces that the child is in frequent contact with including:
- pacifiers, bottles
- utensils
- potty seat, toilet surfaces
- toys
- prams, high chair
- play area, bedroom
Features include:
- Targets Hand Foot & Mouth Disease Virus
- Alcohol-Free
- pH Neutral
- Eco-friendly
- Fragrance-Free
- Non-sticky
- Non-corrosive, non-irritant, non-toxic
- Child-friendly formula
Our Review:
When we got our own BioCair BioActive Anti-HFMD Disinfectant Spray, I immediately started spraying Zander’s toys. Being a baby, he doesn’t really get to touch a lot of the furnitures and other surfaces at home yet. But because we touch him, we knew we could be spreading the virus all over as well. So, I made sure I sprayed those we commonly touch a lot like the doorknobs.
I really like that it was so easy to use. The bottle is pocket size so you can bring it with you anywhere. It’s also easy to use. Just remove the cap and start spraying.
It’s also a huge plus that it’s very child-friendly. Zander is at the stage where he puts everything in his mouth. So, the fact that BioCair is non-toxic and alcohol-free is a huge plus for me.
Learn more about BioCair BioActive Anti-HFMD Disinfectant Spray from their website, www.biocairphilippines.com.
The Giveaway!
Now, it’s time to giveaway one (1) BioCair BioActive Anti-HFMD Disinfectant Spray to one of you guys! This time around though I’ll be hosting this giveaway over on my IG account, @rollcoastermom.
Mechanics:
1. Must follow @rollcoastermom and our sponsor, @kooftyenterprise, on Instagram.
2. Must like the BioCair giveaway post on Instagram. Click here to see the post.
3. Must comment on the giveaway post on Instagram by tagging two (2) of your friends .
4. Must repost the giveaway post on Instagram with the hashtag #BioCairXRollerCoasterRideGiveaway. One repost per person only.
This giveaway will run from September 27 – October 3, 2017. It is open to Philippine residents with a valid Philippine address. Winner will be drawn by Randomizer and will be announced here on the blog and on my IG account. Koofty Enterprise will be in charge of mailing the prize to the winner.
This giveaway is NOT sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. Good luck everyone!
My son had HDMD too when he was in preschool and I was surprised too kung san niya nakuha. I thought chicken pox nga but the doctor also confirmed na HFMD. Good thing gumaling agad at nakasama kami sa Field Trip niya.
I don’t hear HFMD very often but the rashes are almost the same as chicken pox. I saw your posts about the kids when this happened to them. I’m glad they’re healed now. Praying for Zander as well, I know he’s currently in the hospital. Will check later for the giveaway. 🙂
I’ve heard about HFMD before because my husband’s nephews and niece had it before. I think it’s about this time of the year when I hear of kids having this. My kids haven’t had HFMD. I hope not. But recently, some of kids had mouth sores (singaw) and some blisters, but no fever.
Great read about HFMD. Just a couple of weeks ago my 1 year old got sick with fever. Our pedia suspected HFMD but the following day he got better and did not develop rashes. Thank God. I will check out on Biocair. 🙂
Great to know about HFMD Sis. It happen to my sisters daughter a week ago. Saklap nga kasi can’t do anything, pero ok naman ngayon. I agree, sanitized and keep everything clean. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for sharing this topic. I can suggest this product to my brother and sister since they have little children at home. Prevention is better than cure talaga so it’s better to have a clean surroundings especially if you have babies at home.
HFMD is an infection I am scared my son will have. Ang bilis lang kasi nyan makahawa especially sa school e. Anyway, that you for sharing this Biocair. Will look at it on the market.
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I am really thankful for BioCair. It gives me the confidence to let my little ones roam around and touch surfaces. I could also now use public changing table which I was afraid to use before. It’s really scary to have kids hospitalized and get diseases. Indeed sanitation is the key.
[…] months ago, I blogged our review of the BioCair BioActive Anti-HFMD Disinfectant Pocket Spray. While we are thankfully over the kids’ bout of hand-foot-and-mouth disease, we are still […]