How to Prevent Hand Foot and Mouth from Spreading
With kids constantly exploring, touching, and interacting with everything around them, preventing the spread of illnesses is always a top priority. One particularly tricky virus to manage is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). It’s highly contagious, has no curative treatment, and is common among young children. But did you know that zinc can play an incredible role in stopping this virus in its tracks?
Understanding Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
HFMD is caused by various enteroviruses, with the most common being the coxsackie virus. It typically affects children under five and is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet. The virus spreads through contact with an infected person’s nasal secretions, saliva, stool, or fluid from blisters. This means it can quickly make its way through daycare centers, schools, and playgrounds where kids are in close contact with each other.
Treatment of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
There is no treatment to cure HFMD; therefore, conventional treatments primarily focus on relieving symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate pain from mouth sores.
The Role of Zinc in Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
Zinc is a mineral essential for a healthy immune system and has been shown to have antiviral properties. Research indicates that zinc can actually inhibit the replication of several viruses, including those responsible for HFMD!
By preventing the virus from multiplying, zinc helps reduce the severity and duration of the infection and lowers the risk of it spreading to others. Zinc’s ability to stop the virus AND boost immune function makes it a powerful tool for keeping kids healthy during outbreaks.
How to Incorporate Zinc
There are several ways zinc can be used to help prevent and support a HFMD infection so families can choose what works best for them.
Dietary Sources of Zinc:
Ensuring children get enough zinc through their diet is a great way to support their immune health and help prevent HFMD.
- Meat and Seafood: Beef, chicken, and shellfish (like oysters) are excellent sources of zinc.
- Legumes and Seeds: Chickpeas, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds are fantastic plant-based sources of zinc.
- Nuts and Dairy: Cashews, almonds, and dairy products like cheese and milk also offer good amounts of zinc.
Zinc Supplements:
During acute illness, the body may need more zinc than what is typically consumed in food. In these cases, you might consider a zinc supplement. Zinc supplements can be a reliable way to make sure your children are getting the immune support they need, especially during high-risk times.
Topical Zinc:
Zinc oxide creams are often used to treat and protect the skin from irritations. While they don’t prevent HFMD, applying zinc oxide to the rash can reduce discomfort and promote faster healing, providing much-needed relief.
Natural remedies like zinc can be powerful tools, especially in conditions like HFMD where conventional treatments are for only supportive symptom care. Being able to stop the virus from replicating can mean a shorter and less severe illness, and kids can get back to being happy and healthy sooner!
Zinc is just one of the supplements in the Doctor Mom’s comprehensive HFMD protocol. Join the membership today to learn more options!
