Determining When it's Safe to Resume Nannying After Exposure to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
I'm a 31-year-old woman who takes no medications aside from some supplements. I occasionally assist a family a few times a week, and I was informed this past Tuesday that one of the children has been diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Under normal circumstances, I would plan to return next Tuesday, but I feel uneasy about this considering the contagious nature of the illness. Additionally, I've recently recovered from a minor illness and would prefer to avoid further exposure. The family has two toddlers and a special needs child, and I usually handle diaper changes as part of my responsibilities. My primary profession is in real estate, and I have significant work obligations approaching, which adds to my concerns. The mother stays home, so my role is more of an occasional assistant for her children. I'm seeking advice on when it would be appropriate to return to my nannying duties. I’ve received suggestions from a few people to allow for a longer waiting period before coming back.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 9:10:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's perfectly understandable to feel uneasy about returning to nannying after being exposed to hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). This illness is indeed contagious and presents some valid concerns when caring for young children, especially those with specific needs.
Key Points to Consider:
- Contagious Period: HFMD is most contagious during the first week of illness. A person can continue to shed the virus for several weeks after recovery.
- Symptoms and Prevention: The virus spreads through direct contact with blisters or respiratory droplets. Good hygiene practices can help minimize risk.
- Self-Care: Given that you've recently recovered from an illness, it's wise to prioritize your health and avoid extra exposure.
Recommendation:
- Wait for at least 7 days after exposure: Since you were informed of the child being diagnosed on Tuesday, it would be advisable to wait until at least next Tuesday to return to your nannying duties. This timeframe allows time for any potential symptoms to emerge and decreases the risk of transmission.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any signs of illness in yourself. If you notice any symptoms like fever, sore throat, or mouth sores, consider extending the waiting period.
- Practice Hygiene: If you decide to return, ensure strict hygiene practices—wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with children showing symptoms, and sanitize any shared surfaces regularly.
By following these steps, you can make an informed decision about your return and help protect the children in your care. If you have concerns after this period or if anyone shows symptoms, it may be wise to delay further. Your health and the well-being of the children you assist are the top priority. If you need more specific advice as the situation progresses, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Considering Grandma's Visit After Illness
I am currently caring for a newborn, who was born on February 11th, weighing 8 pounds and measuring 21 inches. Thankfully, they have no pre-existing health conditions. However, my mother is scheduled to visit us this week, but she has experienced vomiting since the evening of February 12th, and we suspect it might be norovirus. My mother, aged 55, has time off from work this week and intended to travel from her home in another state to stay with us. The question arises whether adhering to the guideline of waiting 72 hours from her last episode of vomiting is a sensible approach for her visit, or is it better to refrain from having her come over to avoid any risks? Moreover, she's expressed the desire to bring my niece, who is 17 and lives with her. I’m concerned about whether my niece could also be carrying the same illness and potentially be contagious. What would be the best course of action here?
Struggling with Flu A and Laryngitis
At 25 years old, standing 5’6” and weighing 200 pounds, I recently battled a severe case of Flu A that resulted in an emergency room visit last Saturday. My temperature soared to 103°F, and my heart rate was racing at 120 beats per minute. After receiving intravenous fluids and pain relief medication, I finally stabilized and was discharged. Regrettably, I am now completely voiceless. Although it has been four days since my last fever, I am still unable to speak. I am currently dedicating my weekend to complete vocal rest, desperately hoping my voice will return soon. As a coach, my profession hinges on effective communication, making this situation particularly challenging. I’m reaching out to see if anyone might share insights on when I can expect to recover my voice, or if it’s necessary for me to seek further medical attention.
Is Testing for Bulbocavernosus Reflex Standard Practice? Insights from a 25-Year-Old Female Patient
A 25-year-old woman, measuring 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 110 pounds, with an Asian background residing in the USA, wrote about her recent medical experience. In the context of evaluating anal sphincter function, it is not uncommon for medical professionals to examine nerve responses following spinal injuries. Numerous studies highlight this practice. However, during my visit, the physician indicated that he would also examine my genital area to evaluate potential nerve damage through stimulation. After completing the anorectal examination, the doctor proceeded to assess my genitalia by parting my labia, stimulating my clitoris, and gliding his fingers down from the upper part of the labia to the vaginal opening for approximately two minutes until I was sufficiently lubricated. He then inserted a finger into my vagina and removed it multiple times, explaining this procedure was necessary to verify the integrity of my pudendal nerve or spinal function. Initially, I did not find this concerning as it seemed to logically follow the anorectal assessment. However, I later encountered another physician who inquired about my arousal and briefly parted my labia without sustained contact. This has raised a question in my mind regarding the evaluation of the bulbocavernosus reflex. Is this a common procedure in clinical practice, or was my experience unusual?
Understanding Amenorrhea
I used to have a regular menstrual cycle, but for the past three months, starting in November, my period has been absent. This situation is causing me a great deal of anxiety. Although I have been dealing with stress in my life, I have been actively trying to manage it. Additionally, I’ve been taking daily vitamin supplements, including iron, B12, vitamin C, and zinc, yet the issue persists. As time goes by, I find myself growing increasingly worried about this situation. Recently, I’ve noticed some clear discharge a few times, but I don’t experience any symptoms that typically indicate an approaching period. I’m 21 years old and I am certain that I’m not currently pregnant. What steps can I take to encourage my menstrual cycle to return? Furthermore, could the absence of my period have any implications for my fertility, which is something I'm particularly anxious about?
Unexpected Lump on Labia Minora
I am a 16-year-old female and have not engaged in any intimate activities, nor have I ever tried alcohol or drugs. Recently, I encountered an awkward situation: a few days ago, I noticed an unusual sensation, including a tingling and discomfort in my right labia minora. This followed my attendance at a large Indian wedding where I spent most of the time dancing and didn’t have a chance to properly clean myself afterward. When I returned home, I discovered a small lump, about the size of a pea. As of today, it has grown noticeably larger and is increasingly painful. The lump feels firm to the touch, does not shift under the skin, and lacks any characteristics of a pimple, such as a whitehead. I can't help but feel anxious, as the development of this lump happened quite rapidly.