How to Have Peace of Mind if Your Child Gets Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? (HFMD)

A child with and HFMD infection.

About this article:

  • Understand how HFMD is easily spread among children, especially in close contact environments such as childcare centres.
  • Look out for the symptoms of HFMD, such as a fever, rash, sore throat, and loss of appetite, so that you can keep your child at home and prevent it from spreading to others.
  • Know how Personal Accident insurance can cover infectious diseases such as HFMD and other common viral illnesses.
Do you have a young child who goes to preschool or childcare? Chances are, you are aware of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). HFMD cases in Singapore hit a high in May this year, and the hot and rainy weather may have caused the uptick in cases. As there’s no escaping hot and rainy weather in Singapore, the best way to practise personal hygiene is to focus on reducing the risks for your child as much as possible.

Table of Contents

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that affects children, particularly those under five. It is caused by enteroviruses, such as the coxsackievirus, and is spread rapidly by close contact with infected individuals, often in environments such as childcare centres and schools. While we can take preventive measures, the reality is that HFMD can still affect your child. Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect your child — both health-wise and financially — can provide peace of mind in the event of an infection.

Risks and Symptoms of HFMD

HFMD usually starts with a fever, followed by a sore throat, loss of appetite, and feeling unwell. Painful sores develop in the mouth within a day or two, making eating and drinking difficult. A rash with red spots or blisters may appear on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks. While most cases of HFMD are mild, complications can arise, such as dehydration, especially when children have difficulty swallowing because of the pain in their mouths. In rare cases, it can lead to neurological or respiratory issues if the virus spreads to the brain.

How is HFMD Spread?

kids playing on a mat, sharing toys
HFMD can spread by close contact with infected individuals or through sharing of contaminated toys or objects.

HFMD is highly contagious and spreads through close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, such as saliva, nasal secretions, fluid from blisters, or stools. It can also be transmitted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.

As the virus can be present in an infected person’s body for weeks, it’s important to maintain good hygiene even after the symptoms have subsided.

Potential Complications of HFMD

While HFMD is generally mild, some children may develop more severe symptoms, such as persistent high fever, dehydration, or secondary bacterial infections from scratching blisters. In rare cases, serious neurological complications such as viral meningitis or encephalitis can occur, requiring hospitalisation.

Preventive Measures to Take for HFMD

young girl washing hand with teacher
Regular handwashing with soap is important to reduce the risk of catching HFMD.
To protect your child from HFMD, parents can take the following preventive measures:
  • Encourage regular hand washing with soap, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.
  • Teach children not to share personal items such as toys, cutlery, or towels.
  • When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and dispose of it immediately.
  • Disinfect common surfaces, including toys, doorknobs, and tabletops, regularly.
  • Keep your child at home if they exhibit any symptoms of HFMD to prevent spreading the virus to others.
While these steps can reduce the risk of HFMD, it’s important to remember that no measure is foolproof. Children are especially susceptible to contagious diseases due to their developing immune systems and close peer interactions.

How Insurance Can Help If Your Child Contracts HFMD

two people talking about insurance products
Speak with your insurance advisor to understand what plans cover HFMD and to what extent.

Personal Accident Plans in Singapore: Coverage for HFMD

Even with the best preventive efforts, HFMD can still affect your child. In such cases, having a Personal Accident Plan for your child can provide some form of financial support to cope with the medical bills. In Singapore, many Personal Accident Plans include coverage for medical expenses related to outpatient treatments, hospitalisation due to HFMD, and other infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and dengue.
Here is the coverage that is usually included with such plans:
  • Outpatient medical expenses: If your child contracts HFMD, the insurance can cover doctor consultations, medication, and necessary medical tests, alleviating the financial burden on parents.
  • Hospitalisation benefits: If your child requires hospitalisation due to severe symptoms or complications, the plan may offer daily hospital cash benefits to cover the costs of hospital stays.
  • Post-recovery support: Some plans provide coverage for follow-up appointments and rehabilitation after your child recovers from HFMD.

Get Protected Today

Having a Personal Accident Plan gives parents peace of mind, knowing that their child’s healthcare costs will be covered in the event of HFMD or other accidents. By choosing a plan that specifically includes coverage for childhood illnesses like HFMD, parents can protect themselves from unexpected medical bills, ensuring their child gets the best possible care without financial strain.

While HFMD is a common illness in young children, having a young child go through the disease isn’t fun. With proper coverage, parents can focus on their child’s recovery instead of worrying about medical costs. By staying informed and taking preventive steps, along with the right insurance coverage, parents can deal with HFMD with confidence and peace of mind.

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