HFMD Outbreak! HFMD Cases Surge by 266%

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HFMD Outbreak! HFMD Cases Surge by 266%

By Alpro Pharmacy

June 4, 2025

When baby Chloe suddenly developed a fever and refused her milk, her parents weren’t too concerned until they noticed small blisters on her hands and feet.

HFMD is a contagious viral infection caused primarily by Coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71 (EV71).

How to Tell It's HFMD, Not Something Else

How Long Does It Last?

Incubation: 3–6 days
Fever: 2–3 days
Ulcers and rash: 5–7 days

Full recovery: 7–10 days
Children are most contagious during the first week, but the virus can stay in the stool for weeks.

When To Seek Immediate Medical Help:

High fever >39°C
No urination for 8+ hours
Seizures or drowsiness
Breathing difficulty or cold limbs

HFMD Home Care

How to Boost Your Child’s Immune System

A strong immune system won’t prevent every illness, but it helps your child recover faster, fight viruses more effectively, and reduce the risk of complications from infections like HFMD. Here’s how to support immunity naturally:

🥗 1. Balanced Diet – Nutrition Is Your Child’s First Line of Defense

A nutrient-rich diet fuels a healthy immune system. The recommended daily portion sizes for toddlers (1–5 years old) are:

💡 Tips:

Mix colors of fruits and veggies for a broad range of antioxidants
Offer smoothies or soups if your child is fussy about solids

😴 2. Daily Sleep – The Secret Weapon for Immunity
For toddlers and preschoolers, sleep directly affects their immune response. Lack of sleep reduces the body’s ability to produce infection-fighting white blood cells.

3. Breastfeeding - Nature’s Immune Booster

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months, and continued with solids until at least 2 years, as advised by WHO. Breastfeeding offers a remarkable layer of immune protection for infants, especially during viral illnesses like HFMD. It supplies essential immune factors that line and safeguard the baby’s mouth, gut, and nasal passages, creating a natural barrier against harmful germs. Key compounds in breast milk also help limit the growth of pathogens by making vital nutrients like iron less available to them.

At the same time, it nurtures a healthy gut microbiome, helping beneficial bacteria thrive while preventing harmful ones from taking hold. Together, these actions support the infant’s early immune development and help control inflammation naturally making breastfeeding one of the most effective ways to support a baby’s health during their early years

4. Outdoor Play – Sunlight & Movement Matter

15–20 minutes of daily sunlight helps synthesize vitamin D, which activates immune cells.
Physical play also boosts circulation and supports lymphatic drainage, helping the body remove toxins.

💡 Ideas: Morning walk, playground time, barefoot time in grass (if safe and clean)

Myth vs. Fact

Come join MamaBe Expert Group for more intimate information!

While Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is often mild, it can be a distressing experience for both child and parent. Recognizing the symptoms early, managing them with care, and maintaining strong hygiene practices are key to a smooth recovery.
Just as important is supporting your child’s immune system every day through good nutrition, restful sleep, outdoor activity, and when possible breastfeeding.

With the right knowledge and support, most children recover quickly and bounce back with full health. If you’re unsure or concerned about your child’s symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Alpro Pharmacy and Alpro Clinic are always here to support you and your little one with trusted, expert care.

References (APA Format):

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Hand, foot, and mouth disease. https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Hand-foot-and-mouth disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org