Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Be on the lookout for this very common viral illness during spring and summer months. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is usually mild and fairly easy to identify. Most often, children under 5 are susceptible, but older kids and adults can catch it too.

What does it look like?

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) typically starts with a mild fever, reduced appetite, sore throat and a general feeling of being unwell. After a day or two, painful sores may appear in the mouth, often in the back of the throat. A skin rash with flat or raised red spots also develops, usually on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and sometimes on the buttocks or legs. These spots can blister, but they usually don't itch.

How long is the incubation period?

The time from exposure to symptoms is typically 3 to 6 days. Children are most contagious during the first week of illness but can continue to spread the virus through saliva, stool, or respiratory droplets for several weeks, even after symptoms have resolved.

What should parents do?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics this virus is usually mild and resolves on its own within 7-10 days. There is no specific treatment, but you can help your child feel more comfortable by:

- Offering plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

- Providing cold, soothing foods like yogurt or popsicles if mouth sores make eating difficult.

- Giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and discomfort.

Keep your child home from daycare or school during the fever and open sore phase to help prevent spreading the virus to others. Practice good handwashing - especially after diaper changes - and disinfect shared surfaces to limit further spread.

If your child seems dehydrated, has a high fever for more than a few days or is unusually sleepy or cranky, it's important to contact your pediatrician.

HFMD can look alarming, but with care and patience, most kids bounce back quickly.