Be careful of HFMD

CNY is supposedly a happy occasion, filled with enjoyment, laughter and joy. However this year is different for us cos Ethan and mummy contracted the Hand Foot Mouth (HFMD) and they have it at the same time!!! Yes, adult can get it too, usually from their kids if havin direct contact, especially if breastfeeding. It's now the 3rd day since mummy n Ethan had the HFMD. Mummy felt terrible but it saddened us more to see Ethan suffer and go through it at such young age. It started with high fever for him on Wednesday - the temp went up to 38.7 degrees C, and red small spots appeared on his arms n feet. First thing in the morning, we went to the GP, it was 'sort of' confirmed that he's got IT, and he was supposed to be grounded at home for at least a week. Worried, we brought him to the PD near to midnight for a second opinion and to confirm. It was at tat time our concern was real.. There was an ulcer near the entrance of his throat and the red spots was getting more, the most heartbreaking part is he refuses to drink from the bottle and was very irritated. We on the hand try to understand and give him as much care and love to calm him down as we can. But after him skipping few feeds, we had no choice but to force some milk down using the syringe in fear tat he might get dehydrated. It was difficult n hard for him, since he was crying, drinking and choking at the same time, it teared us to see him like tat.

The virus usually heightens on the 3rd or 4th day where the ulcer gets worse and spot will appear full blown.

However, yesterday Thursday night, we were delighted n teared in happiness tis time round tat Ethan's fever finally went down and he is slowly drank fm the bottle, small mouthful at a time. Maybe the ulcer has got better, or simply hunger overcame the pain. He's getting better today, telling from his eyes and gauging from his ability to smile and giggle. :o) However the red spots (some blisters-like) has spread all over his body, yes, not limiting to hand, foot or mouth. It's a different strain of virus according to the docs. For mummy, they are on the all over the body. Requiring abt 7 days to heal completely or for the virus to be over its contagious period, we are all bounded at home for the last week of the CNY period. Hopefully, this ordeal will be over very soon, for bb and us. And hopefully a better year awaits for us. Must thank Daddy for taking care of Ethan, since mummy is helpless and was isolated druign this period (trying not to worsen bb's case). For parents with kids, pls be careful, esp those whom we have met up recently. Just be careful on the hygiene and drink lotsa water. You may check out more details at : http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/enterovirus/hfhf.htm