Saturday, 14 February 2015

The Fearful Hand Foot Mouth Disease (Episode 1)

Throughout the first three years of Kai Xuan's childhood, my family (parents and hubby) has been diligently dealing with the possible illnesses that may have hit her, regardless contracted in school or at home. From mild to severe cold and cough, to persistent viral fever at a tender age of 8 months old, I am proud to say that "Yes, we survived and is stronger than before." However, it is only until recently when Kai Xuan started her full day at the child care centre in January 2015, that her immunity finally conceded defeat to the fearsome Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).
 
Kai Xuan's child care center is by far, a good environment in terms of learning, social interaction, exposure, accompanied by a couple of responsible and diligent teachers. As much as the school worked their way to utmost hygiene and cleanliness, it still could not ward off the viruses of HFMD spread by infectious children, and risking a mere percentage of the viruses lurking around on toys, furniture or any unseen corners.
 
On Tuesday (10-02-15), all parents were informed via the communication booklet of the confirmed cases of HFMD, but no details were given on the group whom the children came from. Having the benefit of doubt that the children infected was not from Nursery Two (Kai Xuan's group), we continued to send her to school as usual. Next day morning, Kai Xuan was spotted with a mild fever, and we brought her home to rest. Her fever persisted till Thursday and Friday. She felt restless, tired and lack of appetite. There were no signs of ulcers in her mouth and throat, no red bumps on her hands, feet and joints at that time. Hence, we could not be sure if she has gotten HFMD.
 
On Friday (13-02-15) during dinner, Kai Xuan could not swallow any rice or water. She told me that her throat felt pain. Though I could not see any ulcers in her mouth or throat, we decided to bring her to a doctor for a thorough check. True enough, the doctor confirmed her to have come into contact with HFMD. As the incubation period is usually 2-3 days before more symptoms can be spotted, and around 10 days to fully recover, we could not help but felt worried. It is nearing CNY, and we had booked for air travel to Malaysia on the 19th, just like what we had been doing for the past few CNY.
 
Can we continue with the plan, or let hubby return home by himself without us? I am not sure. Kai Xuan would be still highly infectious, and air travel would pose imminent risk to other young passengers on board. It is only responsible for us to remain at home, not to mention wasting the money spent on the air tickets. Hubby still hopes to travel as a whole family, but is subjected to changes. We can only come to a conclusion after a review with the doctor on the 18th.
 
Signing off,
Tired mummy
 
 

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