26/08/2025
What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HMFD) ?
HMFD is a viral illness commonly caused by coxsackievirus A type 16 virus that usually affects infants and children but can also affect adults. Typically, the hands, feet, mouth, and perhaps even the genitalia and buttocks are affected by the infection.
Direct contact with blister fluid or oral droplets dispersing from the mouth are the two ways that transmission happens. Within a school or among family members, it can spread quickly. For a few weeks, the virus can be spread by saliva and f***s.
What are the clinical features of HMFD?
Illness can start with a low-grade fever, reduced appetite, and general malaise. Usually, 1-2 days after the fever, the blisters develop.
Children are contagious for 3β6 days during the incubation period, and they remain to be infectious until the blisters break and heal, which normally takes 7β10 days.
What is the treatment for HMFD?
HMFD is a mild clinical illness and will resolve within 7 to 10 days. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment.
Antibiotics are ineffective and there are no particular antiviral drugs or vaccinations available.
How to prevent transmission?
- Proper handwashing
- Avoid sharing of personal items including towels, toothbrushes, clothing, silverware, and drinking cups.
