SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The operator of a Saint John day care says a recent spike in hand, foot and mouth disease among kids in her care sounds a lot worse than it is.

Heather Hamilton of Hamilton Homestyle Daycare says the infection is no worse than a common cold.

She says eighteen children and a few parents are dealing with symptoms like fever, sores in the mouth and blisters on the hands and feet.

Hamilton says there ways to prevent its spread. “I think it’s a cleaning thing. It comes in with saliva and runny noses. So if you are due-diligent with your cleaning and beef it up a little bit, you’re going to beat it in its run.”

Hamilton says there’s no treatment for the illness, but symptoms usually subside in a few days.