Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness that usually causes fever, sores in the mouth and a skin rash. It is most common in infants and children younger than 5, but anyone can get it. It is rarely serious, but it is very contagious and can spread quickly through schools and day care centers. Most people recover on their own in 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms

Most children have mild symptoms that last 7 to 10 days, which may include:

• fever;
• sore throat;
• painful mouth sores that blister;
• a rash, often on the hands and feet, including the palms and soles.

Complications are rare. CDC's detailed symptom page explains when to see a doctor.

Pregnancy

Anyone who is pregnant and thinks they may have been exposed should contact their doctor. Complications are rare, but a person's medical history and how far along the pregnancy is can make a difference.

How it spreads

HFMD is caused by viruses, and someone infected with one of them can pass it easily to others through contact with:

• droplets containing the virus, released when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks;
• objects and surfaces with the virus on them;
• fluid from the blisters;
• poop.

Prevention

There is no vaccine in the United States against the viruses that cause HFMD. To avoid catching or spreading it:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Help children wash their hands, and keep blisters clean.
• Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items such as toys and doorknobs.
• Avoid close contact, such as hugging or kissing, with someone who is infected.

Treatment and care at home

HFMD usually gets better without much, if any, medical treatment. While someone is sick:

• Ease pain and fever with over-the-counter medicines, including the pain of mouth sores. Never give aspirin to children.
• Prevent dehydration. Mouth sores can make swallowing painful, so a child may not want to drink. Make sure they drink enough liquids to stay hydrated.

Going back to school or child care

Because the illness is usually mild, children can keep going to child care and school as long as they:

• have no fever;
• feel well enough to take part;
• are not drooling uncontrollably because of mouth sores.

If you are unsure when your child can return, ask their health care provider. During an outbreak, the local health department may sometimes require children with HFMD to stay home.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease." https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/index.html
• CDC, HFMD symptoms and when to see a doctor: https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/signs-symptoms/index.html
• CDC, HFMD causes and how it spreads: https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/causes/index.html