Fall school and sports season is in full swing. That means new routines, new classrooms and a few unwanted germs coming home with your kiddo.
One of those unwelcome bugs could be hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a highly contagious viral illness that’s especially common in young children. Knowing what to look for and how to help your child feel better if they come down with HFMD can make the back-to-school shuffle a little easier to navigate.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral infection, especially among children under 5. Several types of viruses can cause it.
HFMD usually causes a yucky combo of fever, mouth sores and a rash. The rash often appears on the hands and feet, but it can show up on other parts of the body, too. Some kids have several symptoms, while others may have just a few.
Fortunately, most cases are mild and clear up on their own.
Don’t have a cow – it’s a different disease. Hand, foot and mouth disease and foot-and-mouth disease are completely different illnesses. HFMD is a common human viral infection, while foot-and-mouth disease affects certain livestock. And no, your kiddo can’t give HFMD to the family cow.
How does hand, foot and mouth disease spread?
HFMD spreads easily, especially when little ones are sharing space, toys and – let’s be honest – just about everything else. It can spread from person to person through:
- Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
- Saliva or mucus
- Fluid from blisters
- Stool
- Contaminated surfaces or objects
Everyday activities can be the culprits, including sharing cups or utensils, touching toys and surfaces, or changing a diaper and then touching your mouth or nose without washing your hands. That’s one reason HFMD can so quickly spread through daycares and classrooms.
How can I prevent hand, foot and mouth disease?
There’s no foolproof way to avoid HFMD, but a few everyday habits can help reduce the spread:
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers
- Avoid sharing cups, utensils, towels and other personal items
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid close contact with someone who is sick
How contagious is hand, foot and mouth disease?
HFMD is very contagious, especially during the first week of illness, and it can spread before blisters appear. Because the virus can continue to be present in stool for several weeks after symptoms go away, good hand hygiene remains important even after someone feels better.
If your child has HFMD, frequent handwashing can help reduce the chance of spreading the virus to siblings, classmates and other family members.
Could your kids need a primer on the most effective way to wash their hands? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers helpful guidelines.
What are the common symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease?
Symptoms usually start within a week after exposure to the virus. Early symptoms may be followed by mouth sores and a rash within a couple of days.
Early symptoms can include:
- Low fever
- Feeling tired or unwell
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Stomachache
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability, especially in younger children
Other symptoms may include:
- Painful mouth sores or blisters that can make eating and drinking uncomfortable
- A rash or small blisters that usually form on the hands, feet, genitals and buttocks
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw
Here’s the tricky part: Not everyone with HFMD has symptoms. Someone can have the virus and potentially spread it without realizing they’re sick.
HFMD isn’t just for kiddos. While it’s most common in young children, older kids and adults can get HFMD, too. Symptoms may be mild – or absent – so good handwashing is important for the whole family.
How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?
Most kids start feeling better within a week or two, and HFMD usually clears up on its own. The fever and other symptoms typically improve first, while mouth sores and the rash may take a little longer to fully disappear.
Because mouth sores can make drinking difficult, hydration is especially important. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as:
- Fewer wet diapers or trips to the bathroom
- Dark urine
- Dry mouth
- Few or no tears when crying
- Unusual sleepiness
When should my child stay home?
In general, if your child has a fever or doesn’t feel well enough to participate in their regular activities, it’s best to keep them at home. Check with your child’s school or daycare for its specific return-to-school guidelines.
How can I treat hand, foot and mouth disease at home?
There’s no magic pill that cures HFMD, and antibiotics won't help because it’s caused by a virus. Treatment is mainly about keeping your child comfortable while the illness runs its course.
Here are a few things that can help:
- Keep them hydrated: Encourage frequent sips of water, milk or other fluids. Cool drinks may feel better on sore mouths. Avoid acidic drinks, such as orange juice, which can irritate mouth sores.
- Offer soft foods: Yogurt, applesauce, smoothies and other soft foods may be easier to eat when mouth sores are painful.
- Make rest a priority: Extra downtime can help your child feel more comfortable while their body fights the virus.
- Keep those hands clean: Good handwashing can help prevent your child from spreading the virus to others while they’re recovering.
- Help relieve pain and fever: Over-the-counter medications may help when used as directed.
One important note: Never give aspirin to children or teens unless a health care provider specifically recommends it. Aspirin use in children with certain viral infections has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
When should I seek care for hand, foot and mouth disease?
Most cases of HFMD are mild, but some symptoms deserve a closer look. Seek medical care if your child:
- Is having trouble drinking or shows signs of dehydration
- Has a fever that lasts more than three days
- Has symptoms that don’t improve after 10 days
- Is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake or seems confused
- Has trouble breathing
- Has symptoms that are severe or getting worse
Is urgent care a good option if my child has hand, foot and mouth disease?
Not sure if those spots, sores or fever are HFMD or something else? Indigo Urgent Care can help.
Our clinicians can evaluate your child's symptoms, look for signs of dehydration or other concerns, and recommend next steps. And you don’t have to wait to get answers. Walk in to one of our convenient Indigo locations or book a same-day or next-day appointment online.
If getting to the clinic isn’t convenient, Indigo Virtual Care makes it easy to get the care from home. You’ll meet with one of the same board-certified clinicians you’d see at one of our locations.
In person and virtually, Indigo is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day.
