What is HFMD?

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a mild highly contagious disease caused by coxsackievirus.

It’s characterized by blisters or sores in the mouth and rash on feet and hands. It usually occurs in kids younger than 5 years. However, everyone is prone to infection.

How HFMD Spreads?

It spreads through direct contact with unwashed hands or with feces. It also spreads by contact with the person's saliva, or respiratory secretions.

Signs and Symptoms

The disease starts around 7 days before the signs start to appear. When signs appear they look as follows:

• Fever
• Blisters and sores in the mouth and on the hands and feet.
• A Headache
• Irritability
• A sore throat
• Poor appetite
• Malaise (feeling unwell)

Signs and symptoms usually start with fever then the blisters start to show up

Prevention and Treatment

There is no specific treatment for HFMD, but there some steps to be taken that will reduce the symptoms or prevent its occurrence.

• Washing hands carefully and thoroughly.
• Practicing Good hygiene like regular handwashing, avoiding using the same utensils, sharing sandwiches at school or putting objects in their mouth.
• Disinfect shared surfaces and toys with soap and water.
• Let your child stay at home until he or she recovers to avoid passing the virus to other kids.

How Long Should My Child Stay at Home?

Children are most contagious in the first week of illness. They can remain contagious weeks after recovery but to a lesser degree.

Your baby may return to school or nursery after the blisters have dried but should avoid close contact with her peers like eating after her, plus teaching him or her the good hygiene.

Resources:

WebMD. September 08, 2018. “Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease”

Healthline.com. “Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease”

MayoClinic. July 26, 2017. “Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease”