<div><p>Parents everywhere need to know that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is spreading around and kids are falling victim to it. </p><p>HFMD usually affects kids under the age of 5, but high schoolers and college-aged students are also reporting symptoms. </p><p>There are no antibiotics that can be used to treat HFMD. It becomes a waiting game, but there are precautionary measures you can take. </p><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/b4d03a2034-3.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/b4d03a2034-3_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/b4d03a2034-3_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/b4d03a2034-3_GH_content_750px.jpg 750w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/b4d03a2034-3_GH_content_850px.jpg 850w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/b4d03a2034-3_GH_content_950px.jpg 950w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/b4d03a2034-3_GH_content_1050px.jpg 1050w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>Family Share</cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p>HFMD usually presents as a common cold, with a sore throat, slight fever, and aches. It can start with painful sores in the mouth or on the hands and feet. These sores can move all over the body. </p><div><amp-instagram height="1" width="1" layout="responsive" data-captioned="" data-shortcode="BIwMBymjUzh"></amp-instagram></div><p>The disease spreads through saliva, coughing, sneezing, and general close contact. Hugging someone or touching a door handle that has come in contact with HFMD increases your chances of contraction. Encouraging your kids to wash their hands throughout the day and keeping them home if they have a cold are all ways to prevent the spread of HFMD. </p><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p>If you do notice your child presenting symptoms of HFMD, talk with your doctor so you can keep them controlled. Keeping your child hydrated is a key element to combating HFMD. </p><p>Share this so other moms are aware!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div>