Hellobee Boards Topic: Co-worker's child has HFM Disease

Hellobee Boards Topic: Co-worker's child has HFM Disease https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 19 May 2026 04:58:11 +0000 pastemoo on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605699 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 20:06:53 +0000 pastemoo 2605699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Meowkers: Wash your hands a lot. I'm a medical student, and have examined kids with HFM without bringing it home to my own kids (yet). Just wash wash wash, you should be ok. SweetCaroline on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605691 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 19:59:24 +0000 SweetCaroline 2605691@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Same thing happened to me as @Cupcake: -- none of my co-workers or their fams got it Cupcake on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605685 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 19:44:24 +0000 Cupcake 2605685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I actually just got over HFM. I didn't realize that's what I had until it was too late. I had been to work each day and no one caught it from me. I work in a very confined space. You'll be ok! JoyfulKiwi on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605643 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 18:01:41 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2605643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Meowkers: from what I understand from when HFM went around my kids' center, the incubation period is up to 10 days and you're contagious for 3ish days before you even get the fever/blisters. It'd be a lot of time off to properly quarantine for HFM and, while it sucks, I don't think it's that serious of a disease to warrant using all that time. For what it's worth, its very possible to be in direct contact with children & adults who are sick with HFM and not get it. mauxie on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605559 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:44:26 +0000 mauxie 2605559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I would not be worried. Kids get sick and I wouldn't expect to have to quarantine every person the child lives with each time.. FWIW, my daughter once got HFM as a toddler and DH, myself, and lil bro (infant at the time) were fine. Just be extra mindful to wash hands well/sanitize if you're concerned. DesertDreams88 on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605517 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:08:46 +0000 DesertDreams88 2605517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ On the scale of childhood diseases, HFM is kind of inevitable but not usually a big deal (little if any risk of death or permanent disability.) I mean, it's not pleasant, but most illnesses aren't. I'm definitely a big worrier when it comes to my child's health and safety, but when my 4mo infant got HFM, it was not a big issue for me. Also, our dr explicitly told us that quarantine was not necessary. IRunForFun on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605514 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:02:02 +0000 IRunForFun 2605514@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I'm a huge germaphobe and I wouldn't be worried about this. I'm wondering if your other coworker who stayed home when her LO had it meant that it was her LO who needed to be quarantined and so she had to miss work to take care of him/her. Unless she's exhibiting symptoms and you're exposed to her bodily fluids then I don't think you're at much risk. Just keep up with hand washing and don't share food and drinks!! Hopefully she has enough sense that if she herself becomes ill she'll stay home. Honestly though if she has someone else to watch her LO I don't blame her for not wanting to use PTO. theotherstark on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605513 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:57:02 +0000 theotherstark 2605513@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I clicked on this because my son just got over his HFM :silly: I'm a big germaphobe, so I totally understand why you're worried. However, as others have mentioned, it's transmitted by bodily fluids (saliva, pee, poop, vomit, etc). My son vomited all over me when he was sick, and I didn't get it, just as an anecdotal aside. Anyway, if it were me, I would probably religiously wash my hands any time I had any kind of contact with the co-worker. I'm sure you will be fine, though :happy: Our ped did tell us that HFM was going around now, so probably good to be diligent with the hand washing anyway!! catomd00 on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605512 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:56:25 +0000 catomd00 2605512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I wouldn't be worried at all. I'd think even if she gets it, you probably wouldn't be in such close contact that you would get it. lovehoneybee on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605510 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:55:00 +0000 lovehoneybee 2605510@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I wouldn't be worried. When E got it he was on top of me (literally) for days, and I never got it. One of our managers got it from his daughter, though...she dropped her paci on the ground, and he picked it up and cleaned it off in his mouth without thinking! muffinsmuffins on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605501 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:32:10 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2605501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Meowkers: no problem, glad to help :) I definitely understand your worry as there's a HFM outbreak now at my sons new daycare, but I figure all I can do is wash our hands and hope for the best as we do with regular colds, flu, etc. At least with adults in the workplace, we are not drooling on things and shoving our hands in other people's faces/mouths, and should be better with hand washing so hopefully that helps haha Mrs D on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605495 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:21:39 +0000 Mrs D 2605495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Both our girls have had HFM and neither of us (DH and I) have caught it. That said - my coworkers son had it and I was the first she told (since I have small children). I think its fair to be concerns and take extra precaution (i.e. wash hands after touching common items with her and/or ask her not to borrow things from your desk etc) but I dont think she needs to be quarantined. I dont believe its an airborne virus...I think its fluid - so you have the control here as I see it. If you dont come into contact with her "fluid" you are safe. That said - she also can protect herself the same way - and likely is. HFM is definitely an unpleasant and borderline scary experience (especially for those who have not had it and only heard horror stories) so I understand your initial reaction... Meowkers on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605492 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:15:12 +0000 Meowkers 2605492@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @muffinsmuffins: thank you! Your account made me feel a lot better without making me feel bad for "over reacting." T.H.O.U. on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605484 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:58:24 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2605484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Not an issue. lawbee11 on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605480 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:55:04 +0000 lawbee11 2605480@https://boards.hellobee.com/ If she herself had HFM I could see being upset by her presence at work, but I think it's unfair to expect her to use PTO in this situation. autumnlove on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605479 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:54:50 +0000 autumnlove 2605479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I wouldn't be concerned at all. DenverMom on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605475 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:45:59 +0000 DenverMom 2605475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Meowkers: I think this is overreacting. My doctor said that the contagious/incubation period is generally before the blisters even appear. Once the blisters are there, unless the sores are open, the contagious period is pretty much over and kids are allowed back to daycare. My DD had HFM a couple of months ago and the doctor's recommendation and daycare's policy was that I could take her back to school as long as she did not have open sores and no fever for 24 hours. I think you're fine. muffinsmuffins on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605464 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:26:53 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2605464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I caught HFM from my son and was at work until I felt awful and had the blisters. I advised my co workers to maybe wash hands a little more religiously and they knew my son had it, but even in dealing with 20-30 clients face to face and a small office during the contagious time, no one else caught it from me (including DW at home) AND my son was the only one of 4 kids at his daycare to get it, so maybe picked it up somewhere else. It's certainly not a fun sickness, but we managed. I would say just wash your hands and don't share anything with that person! No one was quarantine from our doctor and we took him back to daycare when he was well enough to attend again. Banana330 on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605458 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:14:01 +0000 Banana330 2605458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Agreed, this is an over reaction by the doctor. HFM isn't on public health's reporting list, so daycares don't need to report it, (ie. not a serious illness in terms of public health) littlebug on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605446 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:00:13 +0000 littlebug 2605446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I would not be concerned. D had HFM and was all up in my grill and I never caught it. The risk of your kid getting it from you getting it from a coworker getting it from her kid is SO incredibly slim. Mrs. Confetti on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605445 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:57:47 +0000 Mrs. Confetti 2605445@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Both of my boys have had it, and I've never caught it. My husband did, didn't know he had it and went to work and didn't spread it to anyone. I wouldn't worry about it hilsy85 on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605443 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:56:31 +0000 hilsy85 2605443@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Meowkers: that sounds like an extreme reaction by the doctor! I've never heard of parents being quarantined when their children are sick with a common childhood illness. ocean81 on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605442 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:55:13 +0000 ocean81 2605442@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Don't make out with her and I think you should be fine :) Meowkers on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605441 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:53:33 +0000 Meowkers 2605441@https://boards.hellobee.com/ The reason I'm so concerened is because in the recent past other co-workers who's children had HFM, were instructed by their doctors to stay home in quarantine for the days that the virus was most contagious. catlady on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605440 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:53:19 +0000 catlady 2605440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ You are overreacting. You can't expect someone to stay home when they are well, even if their child is sick, unless it's some sort of deadly illness. HFM is no fun, but most kids will get it at some point anyway. If she has no symptoms, I'd think there is almost zero chance you'd pick it up from her. yoursilverlining on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605439 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:51:28 +0000 yoursilverlining 2605439@https://boards.hellobee.com/ This is not something I would be concerned about. Plenty of kids in the same daycare rooms as kids with HFM don't get it. Maybe she doesn't want to use PTO, but I also know from personal experience that we don't always get the "choice" to come to work when our children are sick. Thems the breaks for most families. I wouldn't hold this against a co-worker. avivoca on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605436 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:48:49 +0000 avivoca 2605436@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I think you are overreacting just a bit. My daughter had HFM this spring. We did whatever we could to avoid spreading, including washing hands/faces/etc. regularly, doing plenty of laundry, and in general making sure our daughter wasn't in contact with anyone. We kept her out of school for a full week and out of church for two weeks (one Sunday was prior to the diagnosis but she wasn't feeling well), but because we didn't have enough sick time to be out all week too, we switched days on and off staying home with her. Had we started showing signs of it ourselves, we would have stayed home, but as long as your coworker is not showing signs, it's perfectly fine to go to work. LBee on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605435 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:48:09 +0000 LBee 2605435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Am I missing something? Does she have HFM? Or are you just assuming she's a carrier? My son recently had strep. My husband stayed home with him and I went to work. We both work full time and cannot afford to be out weeks as a family whenever my son is sick. Unless we seem to be sick with it as well, we divide and conquer. MamaG on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605433 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:47:42 +0000 MamaG 2605433@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Minimal risk. My girls have both had it and one of us worked while the other did child care. I don't know anyone who quarantined the whole family. hilsy85 on "Co-worker's child has HFM Disease" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/co-workers-child-as-hfm-disease#post-2605432 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:47:20 +0000 hilsy85 2605432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I would not at all be concerned about this. There is by no means a certainty (or even a likelihood) that she will catch it from her child, and for you to catch it from her would be even less likely. Just wash your hands a lot and don't kiss her on the mouth and you'll be fine :silly: