Sunshine Garcia recently opened up about a health scare involving her family, revealing that all three of her children were recently diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) weeks before Christmas.
According to Cleveland Clinic, HFMD is a “very contagious viral infection that causes a blister-like rash on your child’s hands and feet and painful sores in their mouth. The disease most often affects babies and children younger than 5 years old. HFMD is typically mild and usually clears up on its own within seven to 10 days.”
In a Facebook post shared on January 2, the actress and SexBomb member clarified that her children are now fully recovered and doing well, noting that her post was meant to raise awareness for other parents.
In her message, Sunshine admitted that she initially hesitated to share their experience but ultimately decided it could help others. “Iniisip ko kung ipopost ko ito or hindi pero gusto ko din maging aware ang ibang parents. Nagkaroon sila ng HFMD (Hand, Foot Mouth Disease) buti na lang vacation na nung lumabas, family na lang kasama at sila na lang ang kids,” she wrote.
She added that after consulting their pediatrician, they were informed that the virus had likely been present two weeks before symptoms appeared, making the timing especially stressful as all three children showed symptoms before Christmas.
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In the photos Sunshine shared, her children—sons Axel and Alexander and 11-month-old daughter Alynna—showed visible rashes around their mouths and on their feet which are all common symptoms of HFMD.
Despite their limited exposure outside the home, Sunshine said they were unsure how the children contracted the virus. “Saan nila nakuha? Hindi din namin alam, isa pa lang ang pumapasok sa school, once a week lang namin silang nilalabas kapag family day at dinadala sa play area para makapag laro. Sobrang arte namin pagdating sa kanila pero minsan hindi talaga maiiwasan,” she shared.
Sunshine credited their pediatrician for responding quickly and guiding them through treatment. She also shared that once they noticed the symptoms, the children were immediately isolated to prevent the virus from spreading to others. “As soon na napansin namin naka Isolate na sila hindi na namin hinahayaan na makalapit sila sa ibang kids at in-explain namin sa kanila kung bakit buti na lang din talaga at naiintindihan na nila. Alam nila na pwede sila makahawa sa ibang kids kaya ayaw din nila.”
The actress noted that this was not the first time her family dealt with HFMD, as her two older boys had also been diagnosed with the illness in January last year. Having all three children fall ill this time around, she said, was especially challenging.
Using her platform, Sunshine reminded fellow parents to stay vigilant and seek medical advice at the first signs of symptoms. “wag muna ilabas ang mga kiddos hanggat di natutuyo ang mga sugat nila, para di na muna din makahawa ng iba,” she also advised.
She shared the adjustments they plan to make moving forward, including avoiding play areas for the meantime, emphasizing the importance of caution. Sunshine further reminded families to be mindful when interacting with children.
“SA MGA FRIENDS OR FAMILY NA MAY MGA KIDS WAG NYO MUNA HALIKAN, KARGAHIN OR HAWAKAN ANG MGA BATA LALO NA KUNG GALING KAYO SA LABAS OR MAY NARARAMDAMAN KAYO, HINDI SA PAGIGING MAARTE YUN KAILANGAN DIN SILANG INGATAN.😊”
She ended her post by reassuring everyone that her children are now healthy and active again while also expressing gratitude for the support she received, especially from her husband, Alex Castro.
Following her post, netizens flooded the comments section with messages of support and relief, with many parents sharing similar experiences and offering advice.
Sunshine’s update came shortly after her recent return to the stage with the SexBomb Girls, who held a successful two-day concert last month. During the performances, her children and husband were seen supporting her, all thrilled by seeing her dance once again after years of the girl group’s hiatus.