The hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases are expected to decline in the next two to three weeks, according to the Ministry of Health.
Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin said the number of cases will decrease as children’s immunity improves, “HFMD is usually seasonal, it will begin as a wave and then subside on its own in less than a month.
Photo via Malay Mail
“When many children are exposed to this virus, their immunity level increases, and the number of cases will start decreasing,” he said as reported by the Malay Mail.
The Ministry also had a theory that the sharp increase in HFMD cases this year was due to children spending less time outdoors compared to pre-pandemic times and thus, were not exposed to the HFMD virus, resulting in low immunity.
“Due to the lack of exposure, immunity level goes down. This is the classical theory of natural immunity. When not exposed to this virus, immunity will be low,” says Khairy.
He explained that most cases of HFMD in the country are not serious but parents are advised to immediately bring children for treatment if they have symptoms and stop sending them to daycare, kindergarten, or childcare centers if they are infected.
Oh, this totally makes sense!
But prevention is always better than cure…
So please take care of your loved ones, wash your hands regularly and please STAY AT HOME if you have symptoms of HFMD!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
