ÐÔÊӽ紫ý

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infectious disease commonly affecting children under the age of 5. While the condition is often mild and self-limiting, if early signs of potential complications are missed, the disease may progress rapidly—leading to serious complications and even death.

According to Dr. Phan Thi Thu Minh, Pediatrician at the Pediatrics & Neonatology Department, ÐÔÊӽ紫ý (HFH), it is essential for caregivers to closely monitor children with HFMD in order to detect early signs of disease progression.

Key Warning Signs of Severe HFMD:

• Involuntary jerk: This is a critical neurological sign. Parents should observe whether their child is experiencing frequent, unexplained startles. More than two episodes within 30 seconds may indicate neurotoxicity. In severe cases, children may startle continuously—even during deep sleep.
• Persistent irritability, shortness of breath, frequent vomiting (including dry heaving), difficulty swallowing, limb weakness, unsteady gait, or seizures.
• Refusal to drink or breastfeed.
• Persistent high fever >38.5°C lasting more than 2 days that does not respond to Paracetamol—a sign the disease may be worsening. Immediate medical attention is required.

Six Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid When Caring for a Child with HFMD:

1. Using antibiotics without prescription: HFMD is caused by viruses, so antibiotics are ineffective. Unnecessary use may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, antibiotic resistance, and weakened immunity.
2. Overly restrictive diet: Out of concern for mouth ulcers, many parents may limit their child's intake to only milk or water, skipping meals altogether. This can result in malnutrition, fatigue, and delayed recovery.
3. Neglecting oral and personal hygiene: Avoiding tooth brushing or washing hands and feet out of fear of causing pain may lead to secondary infections at skin or mucosal lesion sites, worsening the condition.
4. Ignoring warning signs and seeking treatment too late: Believing HFMD will resolve on its own, some parents may overlook early signs of neurological or cardiac complications, which can progress within hours if left untreated.
5. Lack of close monitoring of symptoms: Many parents become complacent once their child has been examined by a doctor and diagnosed with a mild case of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), assuming that home monitoring is sufficient. However, HFMD is a progressive illness that can worsen over time. Therefore, it is essential for parents to strictly follow medical advice and closely monitor any changes in the child's condition to detect early signs of deterioration.
6. Assuming a child cannot get reinfected: Some parents believe that once a child has had HFMD, they will not get it again. In reality, reinfection is possible because the disease can be caused by multiple viral strains.

At ÐÔÊӽ紫ý, treatment plans are designed and managed by internationally trained pediatricians with extensive experience. Our state-of-the-art equipment and 24/7 readiness ensure the highest standards of care and safety for every child.

For children eligible for home-based care, parents receive detailed instructions from our doctors on how to monitor for danger signs, enabling timely response and adjustment to the treatment plan—helping children recover faster and more safely.

In addition, pediatricians at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý provide parents with comprehensive prevention strategies - from simple handwashing protocols to expert vaccine consultations - to help build a strong immune defense for their children against a wide range of harmful viruses and bacteria.

For more information or to book an appointment with our pediatric specialists, please call HOTLINE 024.35771100, message our Facebook Fanpage " ÐÔÊӽ紫ý ", or reach us via Zalo OA: zalo.me/2008009049335817955.