Recently, we’ve seen several cases of hand-foot-and-mouth (HFM) disease at Bay Street Pediatrics. Because our patient families have lots of questions, our providers are here with answers.
How would my child get HFM?
HFM is most commonly caused by a coxsackievirus and spreads through bodily fluids like mucus, saliva or stool, typically through sneezing, coughing or poor hygiene after toileting. HFM usually affects children under 10 and is seen most commonly in kids under 5. HFM is common in camps, child care and schools in summer and fall, so we’re at the peak season for HFM.
What should I watch for if my child has been exposed to HFM?
It takes about three to six days for symptoms to appear after your child is infected. While a fever and sore throat are usually the first indicators of HFM, hands and feet also show symptoms.
- Your child may experience painful, red lesions or ulcerations that may look like canker sores or blisters on their tongue, gums, inside of cheeks and back of the throat.
- Hand-Foot. A red rash may blister on the palms of your child’s hands, the soles of their feet and perhaps on their buttocks. This rash will probably not itch, and it won’t seem to irritate your child.
- No appetite.
- Irritability in infants and toddlers.
- General feeling of being unwell.
How is HFM treated?
Because HFM is a mild disease, care at home can usually relieve your child’s discomfort.
- Encourage fluids like water and milk. Avoid acidic liquids like juice or sports drinks as these can aggravate the pain of lesions.
- Make sure your child is getting enough rest.
- Administer pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to the medication directions.
Do I need to make an appointment with Bay Street Pediatrics?
Children usually recover from HFM within a week to 10 days with home care. However, if mouth lesions or a sore throat restrict your child’s fluid intake, or if symptoms worsen instead of improving after a few days, call us. Dehydration can be very serious in young children and if your child’s symptoms worsen, we will want to test for other conditions.
How do I prevent HFM?
You can reduce your family’s risk of contracting HFM by encouraging your children to wash their hands often throughout the day and especially after using the bathroom. Disinfect your home often, especially common areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Disinfect toys, pacifiers and shared objects. Keep infected family members away from others and thoroughly wash any utensils, cups, plates and other shared objects.
Can adults and older children get HFM?
Humans do develop an immunity to HFM after repeated exposure and, but adults and teens can contract it as different strains of the coxsackievirus emerge.
When can my child go back to regular activities?
Your child should feel better and see symptoms disappear within about 10 days of home care. However, the virus can live in the body for several weeks after symptoms clear, and they can infect others. Your child should not return to school, camp or other communal activities until blisters and lesions have crusted over and the fever is gone for at least 24 hours.
If you have additional questions about hand-foot-and-mouth disease or your child’s overall health, we are here to help. Just click on your patient portal to send your Bay Street Pediatrics provider a message.