Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
- Caused by a virus.
- Common in young children in summer and fall seasons.
Signs and Symptoms
May cause very mild or no symptoms. Some that may occur include:
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Lack of appetite or energy along
- Small, painful blisters in the mouth
- Skin rash of red spots, often topped by small blisters on hands, soles of the feet
Spread
- Coughing, sneezing or direct contact with articles used by the infected person.
The virus can live for a long time in feces (stool).
Treatment
There is no medical treatment, only comfort measures:
- Give your child soft, lukewarm or cold foods if mouth blisters reduce appetite.
- Provide lots of fluids to avoid dehydration (not enough water) (e.g., popsicles.)
Children with hand, foot, and mouth disease may attend daycare or school if they are feeling well enough to take part in activities. If a physician has been consulted, please follow the physician's directions for exclusion criteria.
Prevention
- Wash hands with soap and water after coughing, sneezing, changing a diaper, eating or preparing food
- Cover mouth when coughing
- Do not share drinks or eating utensils with others
