Tag Archives: virus

6 Degrees of Herpes

Image Source: Quick Blog Cast

Have you heard of the 6 Degrees of Separation theory? Everyone in the world is separated from everyone else by six links. For example, I am indirectly BFF’s with at least one of last night’s Oscar winners. How? I have a friend who’s an assistant at a film company. Her supervisor’s boss is friends with the director of one of the movies featuring an Oscar winner (I think). And the director is great friends with at least one of the Oscar winners. Make sense? Hopefully your answer is YES.

Now, have you heard of the 6 Degrees of Herpes theory? Probably not, because I just made it up. Theoretically, you know someone who knows someone (times 5) that has genital herpes. While my theory may not be scientific, here’s something that is: In the United States, about one out of six people, aged 14 to 49 years, have genital herpes. So it really is possible that you do know someone who knows someone (times 5) that has genital herpes. Also, keep in mind that most people infected show no symptoms or mistake genital herpes for a skin condition.

Genital herpes is not an STD that you can make disappear with the snap of a finger or an antibiotic. Once you’re infected, you have it forever (forever, ever, forever, ever?). Since there is no cure for herpes (fingers crossed that the future doctors and scientists discover one asap), the best thing to do is to prevent yourself from getting it in the first place.

Genital herpes is an STD caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), but most cases are caused by HSV-2. Most people infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 have no or only minimal signs or symptoms. Usually, one or more blisters form on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break and then POOF! tender ulcers (sores) are left, which can take 2-4 weeks to heal the first time they occur.

Usually, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak.  Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years. The first outbreak usually occurs 2 days to 2 weeks after the infection. If you think you got infected or experience any symptoms, get checked out by your health provider asap.

For the most part, a person can only get HSV-2 during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. The infected partner may or may not have a visible sore. So choose wisely my friend. On the other end, HSV-1 generally causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called “fever blisters.” Genital HSV-1 infection is caused by (you guessed it!) oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person infected with HSV-1.

Complications with herpes can happen. Genital herpes can cause recurrent genital sores in many adults. For people with suppressed immune systems, a herpes infection can be severe. Also, it’s very important that pregnant women avoid contracting herpes because it puts the baby at risk of getting the virus as well. If a pregnant woman has genital herpes, a cesarean delivery is usually performed. Fortunately, the chance of a baby getting herpes from the infected mother is rare. In addition to the physical discomfort, herpes also causes psychological distress for those who know they’re infected.

Like I said earlier, there is no cure for genital herpes. However, there is medical treatment. Antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.  In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners.

With all that said, one question remains: How can herpes be prevented?

  1. Abstinence
  2. Be in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected
  3. Use latex condoms correctly and consistently (Note: genital herpes can also occur in both male and female genital areas that aren’t covered by a condom)

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

About these ads

The Result

He said “I am broken. No one is ever going to love me.”

You see, it was my job to let him know he had HIV. He had just turned 23.

The room had stopped, he took several deep breaths. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.

“Positive” read the results on the confirmatory and this young man felt it was the end of his journey.

In 7 minutes I witnessed a person go from feeling whole to feeling deeply incomplete.

His back hunched over, he continued to look down at his feet.

But you see, it was not only about him, his partner had been a virgin… until they slept together.

No protection was used, so my patient’s worries ensued.

How does he tell his partner his results?

Where does he begin?

What if the results held the same fate as him?

All he could feel was guilt and confusion.  Reality trickled in for him; this was no dream or illusion.

His aura was filled with strife. He wondered if he had put a death sentence on his partner’s life.

It was no longer about him, but the life of another.

Someone he cared deeply about, a friend and a lover.

We think of love and we think trust; But what about lust?

We tend to see the surface alone when it comes to people. But everyone has a reason and a story.

We’re living in the 21st century, but the HIV rates are still rising.

You and I, we have the power to keep the death rate declining.

There is no face to HIV, there is no look, no special walk nor talk.

HIV doesn’t discriminate; but it continues to eliminate.

It could greet your mother or your little brother.

Sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or religion does not exempt you.

As long as the antibodies infect the blood, this diseases wrath still holds true.

When it comes to HIV, it is not just about you or me, but it is about “us”, the “we” … educating our community.

So take control of your life when you can; know your status like the back of your hand.

By FIONA HARVEY

Photo by Alyssa Llamas

Photo by Alyssa Llamas

Boys Allowed – The HPV Vaccine is for Guys Too!

A few years back, 2006 to be exact, you might have seen those catchy, melodic commercials urging all girls to become “one less” woman affected by cervical cancer. Whoever watched these TV ads most likely became convinced that this vaccine only prevents cervical cancer and that ONLY GIRLS were allowed to have it.

Well the truth is that WAS correct…the Gardasil vaccine was not FDA approved for males until a few years later in 2009. It wasn’t until 2012 that the CDC decided to extend the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine routine vaccination recommendation to boys.Why guys you might ask–boys don’t have a cervix! Why would they need a vaccine that protects against cervical cancer?! Good question! Here are a few statistics that might help you understand the reasons:

  • 75-80% of sexually-active adults will have been infected with HPV before the age of 50.
  • 20 million U.S. residents currently have genital HPV.
  • HPV causes CANCER: Cervical, Vulvar, Vaginal, Oropharyngeal (oral), Anal, and Penile.
    • Yes, the last three on that list affect MEN too.
  •  HPV is now the leading cause of oral cancer — after smoking and sun exposure
    • Oral cancers account for 37.7% of HPV-related cancers. Cervical cancers account for only 32.7%.
    • The death rate for oral cancer is three times higher than that for cervical cancer.
  • About 40% of penile cancer cases are HPV-related, but these rates have basically remained the same.
  • HPV also causes genital warts. Gross.
    • That can affect ANYONE regardless of sex.

These stats can be pretty scary. I mean…who knew that your chances of getting HPV might be higher that the score you’re going to get on that next calculus test? The good news is most of the time your body’s immune system can fight off HPV and get rid of it all on its own. The bad news…you don’t get to choose whether or not you’ll get rid of it on your own. The solution? BOYS and GIRLS need to all get vaccinated and get it done sooner rather than later!

Photo by Cristina Sansone

Photo by Cristina Sansone

So HPV vaccine rates among women are increasing. 20.7% in 2010 to 29.5% in 2011 reported receiving at least one or more doses. More men are getting the vaccine too (1.5% in 2010 to 2.1% in 2011). BUT the amount of guys getting vaccinated doesn’t even compare to the amount of girls getting vaccinated! The fact is most guys don’t think that they need it. But now YOU know better, right?!

So GUYS and GIRLS, here’s what you can do to save your self from the evil Human Papilloma Virus:

  1. If you haven’t already asked for the HPV Vaccine, talk to your parents, your doctor, or your school nurse and tell them that you want it!
  2. The recommended age to be vaccinated is around 11 or 12, but if you’re older Not To Worry! You can still get the vaccine until you’re 26! But it is most effective to get the vaccine well before you experience any sexual encounters. So get it as early as you can just so you can get those 3 shots over and done with.
  3. Make sure you get ALL 3 doses of the HPV vaccine. Yes, there are 3 :( . You should get the 2nd dose a month after the first, and the 3rd dose 6 months after the first. Remember you can still pick up wherever you left off if you don’t follow this time line exactly, BUT try your best to follow the timeline
  4. The HPV can be pretty pricy, BUT the good news is that if you and your family have health insurance, the vaccine should be covered if you are 26 or younger. If you don’t have health insurance and you’re under 18 DON’T WORRY there is something awesome called the Vaccines For Children Program (VFC) that will provide free vaccines for children who are eligible. Just ask your mom or dad to look them up!
  5. Finally, SPREAD THE WORD! Tell all of your friends, GUYS and GIRLS to get vaccinated! Help protect them from HPV related cancers later in life.
Photo by Cristina Sansone

Photo by Cristina Sansone

P.S.
If you happened to watch that episode of HBO’s Girls where they talked about HPV, just throw everything you heard out the window. Most of their facts were just…not factual. During this episode Hannah played by Lena Dunham is diagnosed with HPV after being given an HPV test. This in reality would not be approved for women under 30 unless abnormal cells are present during a pap smear, which is not the case for Hannah. Needless to say, this is not the only statement about HPV that would lead viewers to false beliefs. Check out this article from the NY Times.

Image Source: CNN

BUT yes there is an actual HPV test… for women. There is not an FDA approved test for men yet. However, great strides are being made in this HPV DNA testing. Women should remember to get pap smears regularly (every two years) beginning either at age 21 or after having sex for the first time, whichever comes first. GUYS… remember to stay vigilant. Be aware of the symptoms.

P.P.S.
Two Quick Disclaimers– Gardasil is the only vaccine approved for both males and females and to protect against certain strains of genital warts. Cervarix is only approved for women. Also the HPV Vaccine does not protect against ALL strains of HPV so in addition to getting the vaccine. The BEST thing you can do is practice SAFE SEX!

By CRISTINA SANSONE

The Notorious Norovirus

Image Source: The Buglish

Google “norovirus” and you’ll probably come across headlines such as New Norovirus Strain Rips Through the US, Norovirus: Why washing your hands isn’t enough, or ‘Super Bug’ Norovirus Invades U.S., Symptoms Appear in 48 Hours. Sounds terrifying.

So what’s the deal with the norovirus? It seems like within a few days the norovirus has managed to steal the spotlight from influenza (flu virus). While “norovirus” may sound unfamiliar, most of us have probably gotten sick because of the notorious norovirus. According to the CDC, there are about 20 million norovirus cases each year in the United States. That means about 1 in 15 Americans will get the norovirus this year!

The more common names of norovirus illness are “food poisoning” and “stomach flu.” However, not all food poisoning cases are caused by the norovirus. Also, the stomach flu is not related to the flu (influenza). Norovirus causes gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Image Source: healthwise-everythinghealth.blogspot.com

You can probably guess the symptoms for norovirus illness: diarrhea, throwing up, nausea, and stomach cramping! Ew. Fortunately, most people get better in 1-2 days. Other, less common symptoms may include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and general sense of fatigue.

In addition, norovirus can cause dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. If infected, make sure to drink plenty of fluids like water and Gatorade. Try to stay with your normal diet as much as possible, but try to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Also avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee for 2 days after all symptoms have disappeared.

Aside from eating foods or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus, you can also get it by:

  • Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your hand or fingers in your mouth.
  • Having direct contact with a person who is infected with norovirus (for example, when caring for someone with norovirus or sharing foods or eating utensils with them).
Don't Infect. Disinfect. Photo by Alyssa Llamas

Don’t Infect. Disinfect. Photo by Alyssa Llamas

People with norovirus are contagious from the moment they feel sick until at least 3 days after they recover. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, hide in your room. I’m kidding, but not really. Stay home and get better! Unfortunately, there is no vaccine nor treatment for norovirus.

So, what are we supposed to do? Do we stand a chance against this SUPER BUG that has RIPPED THROUGH THE U.S.? Follow these tips from the CDC and hopefully you won’t catch the norovirus (or it won’t catch you!).

  1. Wash your hands! I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it: Clean Hands Save Lives! Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom (#1 AND #2) and before eating!
  2. Take care in the kitchen! Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating them. Check out A Recipe for Safe Cooking!
  3. Do not prepare food while infected! People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.
  4. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces! After throwing up or having diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label. Clorox wipes? Buy them. Use them.
  5. Wash laundry thoroughly! Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool. Handle soiled items carefully—without agitating them—to avoid spreading virus.

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

I’ll Be Fine…

I’ll take some antibiotics and (fill in the blank) will be gone tomorrow!  Antibiotics are wondrous drugs that can cure infections and contagious, life-threatening diseases. But, antibiotics aren’t always the answer.

image source: Cartoon Stock

Antibiotics are fantastic for curing bacterial infections, but they are powerless against infections caused by viruses, such as flu, colds, most sore throats, bronchitis, and some ear infections. They won’t keep others from catching the disease either. In fact, unneeded antibiotics may lead to future antibiotic resistant infections. Repeated and improper uses of antibiotics are primary causes of the increase in drug-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance has become a major concern and public health problem.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria changes in way that enables it to NOT be affected by antibiotics. Each time a person takes antibiotics, the sensitive (non-resistant) bacteria are killed, but then there are the rebels, the antibiotic-resistant bacteria, that survive and multiply. When exposed to antibiotics, the resistant bacteria says, “Eh, Antibiotics. NBD.”

image source: cspinet.org

But it’s a big deal for us! According to the CDC, “Almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment when it is really needed.” Just like other bacteria, these antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread from person to person. If the bacteria is resistant to many drugs, then it can become difficult or impossible to treat. So is there anything we CAN do to stop this from happening?

Yes! Here are some tips from the CDC on how you can prevent antibiotic-resistant infections:

  1. Talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotic resistance:
    • Ask whether an antibiotic is likely to be beneficial for your illness
    • Ask what else you can do to feel better sooner
  2. Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or the flu.
  3. Do not save some of your antibiotic for the next time you get sick. Discard any leftover medication once you have completed your prescribed course of treatment.
  4. Take an antibiotic exactly as the healthcare provider tells you. Do not skip doses. Complete the prescribed course of treatment even if you are feeling better. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect.
  5. Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for your illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.
  6. If your healthcare provider determines that you do not have a bacterial infection, ask about ways to help relieve your symptoms. Do not pressure your provider to prescribe an antibiotic.

For more information, check out CDC’s FAQ on antibiotic resistance.

We’re 10 days away from the official start of winter (and the end of the world??) but it’s already getting cold! So bundle up! Drink lots of fluids! And get plenty of rest!

Stay warm!

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

The Buzz on West Nile Virus

At every summer event, no matter how well you plan, I can almost guarantee you will have a few uninvited guests: mosquitoes. Not only are mosquitoes annoying, buzzing around your head looking for a piece of exposed skin to leave the gift of itchy, red bumps, but they also can carry a potentially dangerous virus called West Nile.

West Nile Virus first appeared in New York in 1999 and now is a common summertime problem in many states. According to the CDC, in 2011 over 700 people in the United States were infected with West Nile Virus and 43 died as a result of the dangerous (but rare!) neurological complications of the virus. Most people infected have either no symptoms or experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches or skin rash that often go away on their own. MayoClinic advises people to seek a doctor when they experience symptoms such as stiff neck, high fever, convulsions and pain, which  can be signs of a serious neurological infection such as encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain, or meningitis, swelling of the brain tissue and spinal cord, which are both life threatening.

When a mosquito bites an infected animal, usually a bird, that mosquito can become infected with the West Nile virus. So when that mosquito bites you, you can also become infected. The good news is that most mosquitoes don’t carry West Nile so your chances of getting sick are pretty slim. Also, you can’t catch it from someone else like the common cold virus by touching or kissing another person.  Since it is impossible to tell if a mosquito is infected with West Nile, it’s best to take precaution, especially if there are West Nile infections in your area. Be sure to check your local news to see if West Nile is making any uninvited appearances nearby.

image source: City of Berkeley Environmental Health

Although there is no vaccine for West Nile Virus, there are some preventative steps you can take. Here’s what the CDC  recommends you do:

  1. Use insect repellent when you are outdoors.
  2. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, so if you are going to be outside during that time be sure to wear insect repellant and wear long sleeves and pants.
  3. Make sure you don’t have any holes in your window screens.
  4. Mosquitoes breed in pools of still water, like water in a bird bath or water sitting in a tire swing. Be sure to empty out water in trash cans, empty pots, buckets, pet dishes and kiddie pools when they are not being used.
  5. Your community may also participate in spraying for mosquitoes. Pay attention to your local news on when sprayings occur.

Spritz on your bug spray, light up some citronella tiki torches and don’t let mosquito crashers ruin your summer!

image source: fewings

By HEATHER KOWALSKI

Remember, What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas

booking.com for the win. Photo by Alyssa Llamas

“Except for herpes. That sh*t will come back with you.”

Not only will herpes hitch a ride back with you from Sin City, but it will stick with you forever (forever, ever, forever, ever?). There’s still no cure for herpes (fingers crossed that the future doctors and scientists discover one asap). But for the meantime, the best thing to do is to prevent yourself from getting it.

Genital herpes is an STD caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), but most cases are caused by HSV-2. Most people infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 have no or only minimal signs or symptoms. Usually, one or more blisters form on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break and then POOF! tender ulcers (sores) are left, which can take 2-4 weeks to heal the first time they occur.

“Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak.  Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years” (CDC). The first outbreak usually occurs 2 days to 2 weeks after the infection (NIH). If you think you got infected or experience any symptoms, get checked out by your health provider asap.

For the most part, a person can only get HSV-2 during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. The infected partner may or may not have a visible sore. So choose wisely my friend. On the other end, HSV-1 generally causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called “fever blisters.” Genital HSV-1 infection is caused by (you guessed it!) oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person infected with HSV-1.

Complications with herpes can happen. Genital herpes can cause recurrent genital sores in many adults. For people with suppressed immune systems, a herpes infection can be severe. Also, it’s very important that pregnant women avoid contracting herpes because it puts the baby at risk of getting the virus as well. If a pregnant woman has genital herpes, a cesarean delivery is usually performed. Fortunately, the chance of a baby getting herpes from the infected mother is rare. In addition to the physical discomfort, herpes also causes psychological distress for those who know they’re infected.

Like I said earlier, there is no cure for genital herpes. However, there is medical treatment. “Antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.  In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners” (CDC).

image source: mylot.com

With all that said, one question remains: How can herpes be prevented? The answer: Don’t go to Vegas! I’m absolutely kidding. But could you imagine if that was the only way to avoid getting herpes?! I don’t even want to think about it. Fortunately, there are effective alternatives:

  1. Abstinence
  2. Be in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected
  3. Use latex condoms correctly and consistently (Note: genital herpes can also occur in both male and female genital areas that aren’t covered by a condom)

So, go to Vegas! If you have a lot of money, then stay at the Cosmopolitan. Wanna feel like money but are a little low on the funds? Then stay at PH Towers Westgate with 20 of your closest friends and split a penthouse suite. Grab a sandwich at Earl’s. Spend the day basking in the sun at the Marquee Dayclub. Then dance all night long at XS. Get your 3am steak and eggs fix. Gamble just a little so you can say that you did and maybe you’ll get lucky. Then stuff your face at the M buffet! Just don’t catch herpes!

Penthouse Suite at PH Towers. Photo by Alyssa Llamas

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

#2 Pencil Not Required

image source: The Cornerstone

SAT, DAT, GRE, MCAT, PCAT, LSAT: All tests that none of us want to take but kinda have to. They are painfully long exams that usually require hours and hours of studying. Despite the endless chemical reactions, complex math equations, and critical reading passages, these tests are worth the blood, sweat, and tears. College, dental school, grad school, med school, pharm school, law school: All are stepping stones to a better and brighter future.

Unlike the MCAT and LSAT, the HIV test doesn’t require any studying. You just need to show up. Like the MCAT and LSAT, the HIV test is so worth it. It wouldn’t just be a stepping stone. It would be a stepping boulder to a better and brighter future. A lot of us are willing to sacrifice an entire summer studying for a standardized test, so why not sacrifice 20 minutes to get tested for HIV?

In honor of National HIV Testing Day, here are 5 reasons why you should get tested for HIV:

1. Knowing your status is empowering. If you test positive, you can seek medical treatment that will help you live a longer and healthier life. If you test negative, then you can take steps to stay negative, such as using condoms correctly every time you have sex. Take the test and take control of your life.

2. HIV has no boundaries. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual preference, home address, job, etc., HIV doesn’t care. HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It could have just been that “not so smart decision” you made that “one time.” Just get tested.

3. There is no vaccine or cure for HIV yet. Medication, however, is available. The only way you will know that you need medical treatment is if you get tested.

4. It takes 20 minutes. You can watch an entire episode of Modern Family commercial free and still have 1 minute and 34 seconds to spare. The rapid test, which is an HIV screening test, usually uses oral fluid to detect HIV antibodies. It’s absolutely painless.

5. It can save your life.

For more information on HIV, check out MTV It’s Your (Sex) Life – HIV/AIDS 101.

Click here to find a testing site near you.

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

Hand + Foot + Mouth

image source: cartoonstock

Equals disease. Wait, what? Can you get it by putting your hand or foot in your mouth? Foot in mouth? GROSS. No, no, no. Let me clarify: Hand, food, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral contagious illness that commonly affects infants and children. Most cases of HFMD appear in the spring, summer, and fall. Just like its name, HFMD affects the hand, food, and mouth. An infected person  could have a rash, mouth sores, a combination of symptoms, or none at all. Symptoms include:

  • fever
  • poor appetite
  • malaise (fancy term for “feeling vaguely unwell”)
  • sore throat
  • painful sores in the mouth
  • skin rash with flat or raised spots on the palms of hands and sole of feet and sometime on the buttocks (rash may blister, but won’t itch)

Anyone can get HFMD. Once a person gets HFMD, he or she develops immunity to the specific virus that caused the infection. But there’s a catch! You can still get the disease if you’re infected by a different HFMD-causing virus. These viruses can be found in an infected person’s nose and throat secretions (saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus), blister fluid, or feces. HFMD spreads from an infected person to others through:

  • close personal contact (kissing and hugging)
  • the air by coughing and sneezing
  • contact with feces
  • touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for HFMD, but over-the-counter fever reducers/pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be taken. Also, you should also drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. HFMD usually isn’t serious. In fact, most patients recover in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment. Though complications are not common, a person with HFMD can develop viral meningitis, polio-like paralysis, or encephalitis (brain inflammation) (CDC). Since there isn’t a vaccine to prevent HFMD, it’s important to reduce your risk of getting the disease. The best offense is a good defense.

  • Wash your hands. Seriously, clean hands save lives.
  • Thoroughly clean objects and surfaces that may be contaminated with a HFMD-causing virus. Invest in Clorox wipes.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are infected. That means no hugging or kissing your HFMD-infected boyfriend or girlfriend.

And just in case you were wondering, hand, foot, and mouth disease is NOT the same as foot-and-mouth disease. Foot-and-mouth (aka hoof-and-mouth) disease affects cattle, sheep, and swine and is not a threat to human health. For more info on foot-and-mouth disease, visit USDA: Animal and Plan Inspection Service.

 By ALYSSA LLAMAS