CM's - Hand, Foot and Mouth question?

[saz73]

Hi guys

HFM is going around my childs school like wildfire, know of 2 in my sons class and 4 friends children that have it.

What is the guidence for childminders if my children get it, do we have to notify anyone, will I have to close?

My mindee's sibling has been sent home from school with this today, parent is keeping mindee and sibbling away at the moment?

Doctors have told parent that is fed up with several illnesses and dieases coming orginating and coming from this one school in the area !!!!

Oh no Saz, didn't know about that. There's been CP, Shingles and now threadworm in nursery but that's all I knew about.

As for Hand, Foot & Mouth. No need to exclude but DO need to notify if a large outbreak in your setting. I phoned once when 13 people linked to my setting got awful D & V bug and they seemed shocked I'd called LOL. Anyway.....

I have looked after a baby with this, about 5 years ago, it was really horrible for the poor lad. He had gooey blisters on his hands so I'd bathe them as he was crawling and would get bits of fluff and stuff in the wounds :(

Going back to excluding......even though I say no need, obviously if they are too upset/poorly in themselves or stop you from carrying on your normal childminding day then yes, you can tell them to stay off as per any illness (well, I have this in my policies anyway).

Which Dr said this about the school then?

copied from the Health protection agency website:
What is Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease?
This is a disease caused by a group of viruses that usually affect
young children.
What are the symptoms?
It causes blisters on the hands and feet, and mouth ulcers inside the
cheeks and on the tongue. Those affected may have a sore throat
and develop a high temperature.
These symptoms last for 7 to 10 days.
Is it dangerous?
NO. It is generally a mild infection and those affected will make a
complete recovery.
Is it the same as foot and mouth disease in cows?
NO. Foot and Mouth disease in cows is completely different.
How is it spread?
The virus is spread by coughs and sneezes, and is also found in the
faeces of infected children. Some children infected with the virus do
not have symptoms but can still pass it to others.
Is there any treatment?
· There is no specific treatment for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ?
it is usually a mild and self-limiting illness.
· If a child feels unwell paracetamol (such as Calpol or Disprol) may
be helpful (do not use aspirin in children under 16 years of age).
· Antibiotics and creams or ointments for the blisters are not
effective. Children recover just as quickly without them.
What is the incubation period?
Symptoms start 3 ? 5 days after exposure to the virus.
How long are children infectious?
Children who are ill (have symptoms) are infectious. They can carry
the virus in their faeces for many weeks after they have recovered and
so may continue to pass it on.
How long should children stay off school?
· Children who are unwell should be kept off school until their
symptoms have subsided and they are feeling better.
· Keeping children off school for longer than this is unlikely to stop
the virus spreading. There may be other children in the school
who appear well but are spreading the virus.
How can spread be prevented?
· Since the virus is found in faeces, scrupulous attention must
always be paid to handwashing after using the toilet.
· Whilst a person has the blisters present they should avoid sharing
towels and face cloths/flannels with other people.
· Soiled clothes, bedding and towels should be washed separately
on the ?hot cycle? of the washing machine.
Can you catch it more than once?
YES, but children who are ill during an outbreak at school or nursery
are unlikely to get it again during the same outbreak

Thanks for the advice. Looks like son now has it thanks to the dirty stinking school. Going to have to close rest of week and loose lots of money.

Is he really bad with it then? You don't have to close unless he's bad with it. Bug hugs x

HPA infection control guidance for schools and childcarers says no recommended exclusion period but to consult your HPU if a large number of chn are affected. Otherwise it just says to keep children off only if they are unwell (as above) - so you don't have to close unless your son is unwell with it & needs additional care that would detract from care of mindies