06/02/2026
🦠 Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) & Herpangina – What Parents Should Know
We are currently seeing an increase in hand, foot and mouth disease and herpangina in young children.
🔹 What causes it?
Both are common viral infections (usually enteroviruses) that spread easily, especially in crèches and schools.
🔹 Common symptoms include:
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Painful mouth ulcers or blisters
• Rash or small blisters on the hands, feet, nappy area or around the mouth
• Drooling, poor feeding, irritability
• Herpangina refers to blisters and ulcers on the back of the throat and soft palate without skin involvement
🔹 How is it spread?
Through saliva, respiratory droplets, stool, and close contact.
🔹 Treatment:
There is no specific cure, but the illness is usually mild and self-limiting. Treatment focuses on:
✔️ Pain and fever control
✔️ Keeping your child well hydrated
✔️ Soft, cool foods (avoid acidic or salty foods)
🚫 Antibiotics do NOT help, as this is a viral infection.
🔹 When to see a doctor urgently:
• Your child is not drinking or has very few wet nappies
• Persistent high fever
• Severe pain or lethargy
• Signs of dehydration
• Symptoms lasting longer than 7 days
🔹 When can my child return to school/crèche?
Once they are fever-free and feeling well and there are no new lesions and the old ones are starting to form a scab, even if the rash hasn’t fully disappeared.
Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent spread 🧼
If you’re worried or unsure, we’re happy to help 🌼
