Hand Mund Fuß Wann Kita

Willkommen in Deutschland! You're planning a trip, perhaps with your little ones, and navigating a new healthcare system and cultural norms can feel daunting. One of the common concerns parents have is understanding illnesses that spread easily among children, especially when considering childcare options like Kitas (Kindergarten). Let's talk about Hand-Fuß-Mund-Krankheit (HFMD), or Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, a common childhood ailment, and what you should know about it, particularly concerning its prevalence in Kitas.

Hand-Fuß-Mund-Krankheit: What is it?

Hand-Fuß-Mund-Krankheit, or HFMD, is a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children, but it can also affect adults. The German name, Hand-Fuß-Mund-Krankheit, directly translates to Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease, making it easy to remember! It's characterized by painful sores in the mouth, a rash on the hands and feet, and sometimes a fever. It's caused by viruses belonging to the enterovirus family, most commonly the Coxsackievirus A16.

Important to note: While the name might sound alarming, HFMD is generally not a serious illness and usually resolves on its own within 7-10 days. However, it's highly contagious, making awareness crucial, especially when children are in close proximity, such as in a Kita.

Symptoms to Watch Out For:

Recognizing the symptoms early is key to preventing its spread. Here's what to look for:

Fever: Often the first sign, it's usually mild, around 38-39°C (100.4-102.2°F).
Sore Throat: Your child might complain of a sore throat or difficulty swallowing.
Loss of Appetite: Due to the painful mouth sores, your child might refuse to eat or drink.
Mouth Sores: Small, red spots that develop into painful blisters, usually on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
Skin Rash: Flat or slightly raised, red spots, sometimes with blisters, typically on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks or genitals.
Irritability: Your child might be more fussy or irritable than usual.

Not everyone experiences all symptoms. Some children might only have a mild rash, while others might have more severe mouth sores.

Transmission and Prevention

HFMD is highly contagious and spreads easily through:

Direct contact: With saliva, nasal secretions, blister fluid, or feces of an infected person.
Respiratory droplets: Coughing or sneezing.
Contaminated surfaces: Touching toys, surfaces, or objects that have been contaminated with the virus.

Preventing the spread of HFMD is crucial, especially in settings like Kitas. Here are some key preventative measures:

Frequent Handwashing: This is the most effective way to prevent the spread of HFMD. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and before preparing food.
Avoid Sharing: Don't share cups, utensils, towels, or toys with others.
Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, toys, and tables.
Stay Home When Sick: If your child shows symptoms of HFMD, keep them home from Kita or other activities to prevent spreading the virus. Most Kitas have specific guidelines regarding when a child can return after being sick (more on this later).
Good Hygiene Practices: Teach children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and to dispose of tissues properly.

Hand-Fuß-Mund-Krankheit und die Kita: What You Need to Know

Kitas in Germany play a vital role in childcare, and understanding their protocols regarding contagious illnesses like HFMD is important. Kitas are very aware of the rapid spread of viruses and bacteria due to the close proximity of the children. Here's what you should expect:

Notification: If there's a case of HFMD in the Kita, you will likely be notified by the staff. This allows you to be more vigilant in observing your child for symptoms.
Exclusion Policy: Kitas have a responsibility to protect the health of all children. If your child is diagnosed with HFMD, they will likely be excluded from attending until they are no longer contagious. This usually means until the blisters have crusted over and your child is fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Each Kita will have its own policy, so it is crucial to confirm the specific requirements.
Doctor's Note: While not always required, some Kitas may request a doctor's note confirming that your child is no longer contagious before they can return.
Hygiene Protocols: Kitas have strict hygiene protocols in place to minimize the spread of infections. This includes frequent handwashing, regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, and proper handling of diapers and other potentially contaminated materials.

What to do if your child develops HFMD while visiting Germany and attending Kita:

Contact the Kita Immediately: Inform the Kita staff as soon as you suspect your child has HFMD.
Consult a Doctor (Arzt): While HFMD is usually mild, it's always best to consult a doctor, especially if you're unfamiliar with the illness. They can confirm the diagnosis and provide advice on managing the symptoms. You can find a local doctor through your hotel, online directories (search for "Arzt Kinderarzt [your city]"), or your travel insurance provider. Don't hesitate to use translation apps to facilitate communication.
Keep Your Child Home: Follow the Kita's exclusion policy and keep your child home until they are no longer contagious.
Manage Symptoms: Focus on keeping your child comfortable. Offer soft, cool foods and drinks, and avoid acidic or spicy foods that can irritate the mouth sores. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help reduce fever and pain.
Maintain Hygiene: Practice strict hygiene measures at home to prevent the spread of the virus to other family members.

Seeking Medical Attention

While HFMD typically resolves on its own, consult a doctor if:

Your child has a high fever (above 39°C or 102.2°F).
Your child is dehydrated and not drinking fluids.
Your child's symptoms worsen or don't improve after a few days.
Your child has signs of complications, such as meningitis (rare).

Finding a Doctor in Germany:

If you need to see a doctor in Germany, here are a few options:

General Practitioner (Hausarzt): Your first point of contact for most medical issues. They can refer you to a specialist if needed.
Pediatrician (Kinderarzt): A doctor specializing in children's health.
Emergency Room (Notaufnahme): For urgent medical situations. Call 112 for an ambulance.

Healthcare for Tourists and Expats:

If you have travel insurance, make sure to check your policy details and understand what's covered. European citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to public healthcare in Germany. If you are not covered by EHIC or travel insurance, you will likely need to pay for medical services out-of-pocket. It's always wise to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Common German Phrases Related to HFMD:

Knowing a few basic German phrases can be helpful when communicating with doctors or Kita staff:

"Mein Kind hat Hand-Fuß-Mund-Krankheit." - "My child has Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease."
"Mein Kind hat Fieber." - "My child has a fever."
"Mein Kind hat Ausschlag." - "My child has a rash."
"Wie lange darf mein Kind die Kita nicht besuchen?" - "How long is my child not allowed to attend the Kita?"
"Brauche ich eine ärztliche Bescheinigung?" - "Do I need a doctor's note?"

Additional Resources:

Robert Koch Institute (RKI): The German government's central institution for disease control and prevention. Their website (in German) provides information on infectious diseases, including HFMD: www.rki.de
Your travel insurance provider: For information on medical coverage and finding doctors in Germany.

Remember, HFMD is usually a mild illness, and with proper hygiene and care, you can minimize its spread and ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip to Germany for you and your family.

By understanding the symptoms, transmission, and preventative measures, you can navigate HFMD concerns with confidence, especially in the context of German Kitas. Enjoy your travels!