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.)

Exclude children if symptomatic. They can return when they are fever free, have no other symptoms for a minimum of 24 hours, and feel well enough to attend and participate in activities.

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