Hand-foot-mouth disease in children?

Question

My 16month old has this, caught it from my daughter who got it from preschool I think, but he won't eat anything. He'll drink a bottle of milk though but will he be ok just drinking milk for the next 5 days while he's getting over the virus? What should I do? My daughter will eat because she's older and understands more that she needs to eat, and she doesn't have it nearly as bad as her brother. What should i do?

Answer 1

I have no idea how this virus has gotten spread around so bad!! My 20 month old just got over it. She caught it @ church- about 5 people at church had it. It's been going around the schools around here. My daughter would drink plenty of milk- I actually mixed some Carnation Instant Breakfast w/ her milk and she'd drink that (I figured that would give her some nutrition). I could get her to eat yogurt occasionally. Try popsicles- that worked w/ my daughter. I just kept Tylenol in her to keep her as comfortable as possible. It's a miserable time for your children (and for you) My daughter had a lot of bumps in her diaper area- I tried to keep her changed constantly, also used pure cornstarch on her, too. Just try to keep your worry and anxiety under control. Hopefully your children will be like my daughter- she went on an eating frenzy once she got to feeling better. Good luck and God bless!!!

Answer 2

Kids generally last many days without eating, as long as they are drinking. Hand Foot Mouth disease is very contagious, is a virus, and runs it's course. Try things like yogurt or milkshakes or smoothies...stuff that's rather cool to the mouth. It will not last more than 5-7 days, usually. Call him Pediatrician if in does last longer, but usually you don't need a Doctor or Nurse.

Answer 3

hi... my kids(4years&17months) just recovered from hands, foot, mouth disease. I supposed u already know all the symptoms,and prognosis of this disease.

but the signs that shows ur kids need to be warded are poor feeding(dehydration), very high fever, breathing difficulties.
so, be aware of this.

just make sure they have good hydration. and this point, u could be more linear. as u know, this virus attacks the hands, foot and mouth.

u child might be refusing his drinks due to the blisters that developed in his mouth. Inspect his mouth, if u can see any, just apply any analgesics gel that is suitable for mouth ulcers (ie. bonjela), then continue with feeding.

Do not give fruit juices as the acid content in juices may exacerbate the pain. give yoghurt, ice cream or any dairy products. I know those are not good foe 16 years old, but just be linear for these one week...to keep them nourished and well hydrated to prevent unwanted complications.

Don't worry if he doesn't eat his usual meal...just make sure there's some food in him and enough water.
Viral fever will heal by itself...not to worry, unless they develops that warning symptoms.

and u should keep them inside, limit the contact for at least 1 week.

Answer 4

Have your child drink plenty of cool fluids. This can include Popsicles and ice cream, which can offer some variety.
Treat fever and pain with acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 unless directed to do so by your doctor because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Give your child any medication prescribed by a doctor. This may include pills to take by mouth or lotions, creams, or ointment to put on the blisters.
Do not give your child acidic or spicy foods and drinks, such as salsa or orange juice, which may make mouth sores more painful.

Answer 5

Yes,both of my kids got it this summer,from public swimming pool.I took them to their doctor.He gave them something to put it on the ulcers inside their mouth.It tasted so gross that they couldn't use it.My daughter who is two had it very bad.Just like you said,she only drunk cold milk.I got very worried and took her to ER,at Children's Hospital Of LA.Basically there is not much you can do but wait.Your son will be OK by just drinking milk.He may loose a pound or so,but he won't get sick.I am very sorry,it is very painfull disease for the child to have.Also,they said it will last about 5-7 day.It took 11 days.I am just saying so you won't be worried,if it takes longer to recover.My daughter still has marks left on her legs.So lots of patients to you and easy,fast recovery to you kids.

Answer 6

Good question and good timing my 19 month old had it last week. He ran a fever didn't want to eat etc. I gave him Motrin and cold water and cold milk to drink. Make him soup and give him ice cream it helps coat and soothe his throat. He will be fine.

Personal experience.

Answer 7

He probably will not eat because it hurts. They can get the sores in their mouth and throat as well as hands, tummy and feet. Try ice cream or frozen yogurt, it's not the healthiest...but it is food. Also it is very good that he is at least drinking, it probably makes his mouth and throat feel better. Also, does Tylenol help him at all, it helped my son and niece when they had it.

Answer 8

Don't worry if he doesn't eat. The most important thing is that he's drinking fluids; milk, juice, water, etc... If he starts to develop a fever or starts to act ill, get him seen ASAP.

Answer 9

Check the soft spot on his head, if its sunk in he's getting dehydrated and should be seen right now, not tomorrow, right now. is a trip to the hospital for nothing bad if it could have saved his life, go see the doc.

Answer 10

I've never heard of this... You should contact your doctor to see what he says. You can add rice to thicken the milk,