HFMD

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. This is what is ailing poor little Ian. It is very common in daycares. HFMD is a common viral illness in infants and children that causes fever and blister-like eruptions in the mouth and/or a skin rash.

It all started in the middle of the night Thursday night. Ian started crying and I went in there to check on him. I went to rub his head and noticed that he was EXTREMELY hot. So, I checked his fever and it was 102.8. So, I gave him Tylenol, rubbed his back a few minutes, and then he went back to sleep. However, when he woke up on Friday morning, his skin was so HOT, I think you could have probably cooked on it. So, I took his temp again and it was 103.8...under the arm! I about freaked. So, I called my mom to see if Dr. Hicklin could see him.

Dr. Hicklin examined him. When he looked in his throat, he said his throat looks bad. I could see how bad it looked too. It was red and splotchy. So, he decided to swab his nose and throat to test for flu and strep...both of which came back negative. Ian didn't have any other symptoms at the time. So, Dr. Hicklin said that it may develop into flu later...he had patients who tested negative for the flu and then two days later test positive. He said to just monitor him, alternate Tylenol and Ibuprofen, and push fluids. So, that's what we did. I brought him back home, fed him lunch, and then laid him down around 11:45. He slept until 4:00! I know sleep is one of the best things when you're sick.

He still had fever Saturday...but no other symptoms.

Saturday night I noticed that he had a few red spots near his mouth and on his tongue. Then, I remembered the note that the daycare sent home a few weeks ago regarding Hand Foot and Mouth disease that seemed to be going around the daycare.

Today, Ian didn't have any fever, but I noticed that he had developed a spot or two on his hands and his feet.

I decided to go by the daycare this afternoon and get his bedding to wash and to let the workers know incase they needed to sanitize their room. I spoke with the director and she said that just about every child in Ian's class had had it...so I guess it was just Ian's turn. Bless him.

His appetite has been affected by this because he has not wanted to really eat the last few days...which is not like Ian. Ian is a good eater and loss of appetite is one of the symptoms. It is probably painful to eat with his mouth and throat hurting. I just wish I could take the sickness away from him. He's been pitiful.

Unfortunately, there is nothing that you can really do to treat it...just treat the symptoms and let it run its course. In order to go back to daycare, the sores have to be dried up. So, we are going to keep him home again tomorrow and see how he's doing and how he looks tomorrow night.

Please say a prayer that he gets to feeling better soon!