04/13/2026
We are back into spring which means hand foot and mouth is here! Here's a little info about the virus and how to keep it from spreading. It obviously runs rampant in daycares but fortunately most are self limited and get better by themselves!
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness in children, especially under age 5, but older kids and even adults can get it too. It’s usually caused by enteroviruses (most often Coxsackievirus A16 or Enterovirus 71).
👩⚕️ How It Spreads:
• Close contact (hugging, kissing, sharing cups/utensils)
• Respiratory droplets (coughs, sneezes)
• Contact with stool or fluid from blisters
• Contaminated surfaces/toys
😷 Symptoms:
• Fever, sore throat, irritability
• Painful mouth sores
• Rash with small red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks/legs
🦠 Contagiousness:
• Most contagious during the first week of illness
• The virus can still spread for days to weeks afterward through stool
• Kids should stay home if they have fever, uncontrolled drooling from mouth sores, or feel too unwell for school/daycare. As long as new lesions are appearing they are contagious!!
💊 Treatment:
• There is no specific medicine to cure HFMD — it usually goes away on its own in 7–10 days
• Supportive care is key:
• Fluids to prevent dehydration (cold drinks, popsicles help with sore mouth)
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever/pain (avoid aspirin in kids)
• Soft foods to reduce mouth discomfort
🧼 Prevention Tips:
• Frequent handwashing with soap and water
• Disinfect toys/surfaces often
• Avoid sharing cups/utensils
• Teach kids to cover coughs and sneezes
✅ The good news: Most children recover fully without complications. Rarely, severe cases can affect the nervous system or heart — so see a doctor if your child has persistent high fever, trouble breathing, dehydration (not peeing enough, very dry mouth), or unusual sleepiness/irritability.
Below are some examples of the rash.
Feel free to share!
Dr. Parker
