5 Practical Tips for Kids to Reduce HFMD Risk in Class

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) spreads easily in classrooms through close contact and shared items. The good news: simple daily habits can greatly lower the risk. Below are practical, kid-friendly actions you can teach and remind your child to do at school. We’ve also included what to do if a classmate is unwell, and a simple solution using BerryC Sanitizer Spray for both hands and surfaces. These tips don’t replace your doctor’s advice, but they help keep little hands (and desks!) cleaner and safer. 

5 DIY Habits Kids Can Do in Class

1) Clean hands at key moments   

  • Before eating or touching the face, after toilet breaks, after group work, and after touching shared items. 
  • If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitiser and rub until dry (don’t forget thumbs and fingertips). 
  • Keep nails short so germs have fewer places to hide. 
  • Remind: “Clean hands = healthy friends.” 

2) Don’t touch the T-zone (eyes, nose, mouth) 

  • Teach the rule: “Hands off face unless just cleaned.” 
  • If the face is itchy, use a clean tissue—not fingers. 
  • After coughing or sneezing, clean hands right away. 
  • Make it a game: count to 20 while rubbing in sanitiser so it becomes a habit. 

3) No sharing of personal items  

  • Avoid sharing water bottles, utensils, snacks, towels, lip balm, or masks. 
  • Label your child’s items clearly so they don’t get mixed up. 
  • Pack spare tissues and a spare mask so sharing isn’t needed. 
  • Teach: “What’s mine is mine—so germs don’t combine.” 

4) Desk-top and shared items check   

  • Wipe or sanitise the desk area before snack time or activities. 
  • Be extra careful with high-touch items (scissors, rulers, crayons, tablets). 
  • If something looks dirty, clean it first, then use it. 
  • Remind: “Quick spray, quick wipe, quick win.” 

5) Smart snack & drink routine   

  • Wash/sanitise hands before eating or drinking. 
  • Keep snacks in sealed containers and bottles capped when not in use. 
  • Don’t place food directly on the desk—use a clean tissue or container lid. 
  • After eating, clean hands again and tidy up crumbs to avoid attracting germs. 

If a Classmate Beside Them Is Coughing or Has Flu-Like Symptoms

  • Keep a polite distance and avoid face-to-face chatting at close range. 
  • Put on a mask if available, especially during group work. 
  • Avoid sharing stationery or snacks with the sick classmate. 
  • Clean hands after any close interaction or shared activity. 
  • Ask the teacher for better airflow (open windows/door if possible). 
  • Tell the teacher quietly: “My friend seems unwell.” Let the adult handle it. 

If Your Child Starts Feeling Unwell in Class

  • Tell the teacher immediately—don’t “tahan” through the day. 
  • Put on a mask and limit close contact with friends. 
  • Clean hands after coughing, sneezing, or touching the face. 
  • Rest in the school’s designated area while a parent/guardian is contacted. 
  • Follow up with a clinic visit if symptoms suggest HFMD (fever, mouth ulcers, rashes on hands/feet). 
  • Stay home to recover fully and protect classmates before returning. 

Quick how-to (kids can follow):

For hands: Spray and rub all over hands (palms, backs, between fingers, thumbs, fingertips) until dry. 

For surfaces: Lightly mist the desk area or shared item; allow it to air-dry. Use before snack time or group work. 

Summary

Classrooms are busy spaces, so small daily habits can make a big difference against HFMD. Teach your child to clean hands at key times, avoid sharing personal items, keep their desk tidy, and speak up when they or a classmate feel unwell. If you prefer a simpler routine, BerryC Sanitizer Spray covers both hands and surfaces, offers long-lasting protection (up to 28 days on solid surfaces and 4 hours on hands), and is water-based, gentle, and safety certified—effective against HFMD, COVID-19, and Influenza. Pop the 40ml bottle into their bag so protection is always within reach.

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