What Parents Should Know About Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious illness caused by a virus. It commonly occurs in children younger than five years old but can affect older kids and adults too. This illness usually occurs in the summer and fall months in the US but may occur at other times of the year. Please continue reading to learn more about hand, foot, and mouth disease.

What is the leading cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease?

The leading cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is coxsackievirus type A16. This virus causes the illness in most people. Less commonly, other types of coxsackievirus or enterovirus can cause an HFMD infection.

What are the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth viral illness?

Most children with hand, foot, and mouth disease experience mild symptoms for 7-10 days. The signs and symptoms usually include fever, flu-like symptoms, skin rash, mouth sores, sore throat, feeling unwell, and loss of appetite.

The skin rash in HFMD usually involves the hands, feet, and mouth, but may also affect the buttocks and genitals. It consists of flat or slightly raised red spots or blisters that are not usually itchy. The fluid in the blisters and the scab that forms after they heal contains virus particles. To avoid spreading hand, foot, and mouth disease, you must keep the blisters clean and avoid touching them.

How does hand, foot, and mouth disease spread?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious illness. It can spread to a healthy person through contact with an infected person’s nose and throat secretions (drool, saliva, mucus, and respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing). In addition, the fluid from the blisters or scabs and feces (poop) also contains the virus.

You can get HFMD through close contact with an infected person (hugging, kissing, sharing cups or utensils); touching objects that are contaminated by the virus (toys, doorknobs) and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; or touching infected poop while changing your child’s diapers and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

How long is hand, foot & mouth contagious?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is the most contagious during the first week of the illness. However, a person with an HFMD infection can continue to be contagious for days to weeks after their symptoms go away. Keep in mind that a child or adult with no symptoms can still spread hand, foot, and mouth disease to others.

What is the best treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Most people develop a mild illness that does not require any specific treatment. You can take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever and relieve pain caused by mouth sores. Make sure you give your child the correct dose of OTC pain relievers and fever reducers. Medicine such as aspirin should not be given to children.

It’s also important to drink plenty of liquids and stay well hydrated. Keep in mind that you or your child may not want to drink much because of painful mouth sores, but hydration is encouraged nonetheless.

Is hand, foot, and mouth disease harmful?

In most cases, hand, foot, and mouth disease is not harmful. It can be treated at home with supportive care. However, you should see a healthcare provider if:

Your child is younger than six months old
Your child is not drinking enough and may be dehydrated
Your child has a weakened immune system
The symptoms of HFMD are severe or do not improve after 10 days

Can my child go to childcare or preschool if they have hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common illness that is usually mild. Your child can continue to go to childcare or preschool if they don’t have a fever, pain from mouth sores, or excessive drooling. They should feel well enough to take part in their usual activities. Sometimes, your local health department may require children with hand, foot, and mouth disease to stay home if there is an outbreak of the infection in your community.

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