Things to know about hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)

Hand, foot, and mouth disease are caused by viruses called enteroviruses. Many different types of these viruses can cause the disease, but in the U.S., the most common cause is Coxsackievirus A16.
- The disease is called hand, foot, and mouth disease because a few days after the individual develops symptoms of a fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, and feeling weak, painful sores can develop on the palms of the hands, on the soles of the feet, and in the mouth.
- Some individuals may also develop sores on the knees, elbows, buttocks, and genital area.
- The sores can blister and ulcerate.
- HFMD is highly contagious.
- The disease is common and usually affects infants and children under 5 years of age (although it is possible for adults to get the disease).
Is hand, foot, and mouth disease contagious?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is highly contagious. It is easily spread by nose and throat secretions (nasal mucus, saliva, kissing, for example). For children, it is common to transmit the disease by the fecal-oral route. In addition, these viruses can be transmitted in contaminated droplets developed during sneezing or coughing. If the droplets land on objects, uninfected people can be contaminated if they pick up the object and then put their hands in their mouths or touch their faces. A person may be contagious before symptoms develop and are most contagious during the first week of illness. However, some individuals can be contagious for weeks after symptoms and signs remit. Some people, especially adults, develop no symptoms but still can be contagious.

SLIDESHOW
Childhood Diseases: Measles, Mumps, & More See SlideshowWhat is the incubation period for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)?
The incubation period (time from initial exposure to development of symptoms) for HFMD ranges from about three to six days. Fever is usually the first or early symptom.
How long is hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) contagious?
- Individuals with HFMD can be contagious during the incubation period (about three to six days) before symptoms develop and may remain contagious for days or weeks after the symptoms and signs abate.
- Even people with mild or no symptoms and signs during infection can be contagious.
- People are most contagious during the first week after symptoms and signs develop.
How do I know someone has hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)?
In general, HFMD is diagnosed by the characteristic symptoms and signs of sores on the hands, feet, and mouth, along with the patient's history, age, and probability of association with a child or other person with the disease.
If the patient has a severe HFMD, throat and stool samples for viral cultures can be used to identify the viral strain causing the disease. This test may diagnose the disease definitively and provide physicians with evidence of an outbreak in their area.
How is hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) transmitted?
HFMD is spread by nose and throat secretions, blisters or ulcers, and feces. In addition, kissing, mucosal contact, and touching objects like toys or other items that have had contact with infected body fluids may spread HFMD. Occasionally, some individuals may get the disease from droplets that are spread in the air.
Child care businesses often have outbreaks of this disease. In small wading pools that are inadequately chlorinated, children may transmit the disease to others (both children and adults) usually by fecal contamination of the pool water.
How will I know someone is cured of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)?
After symptoms develop for HFMD, it takes about five to seven days for the symptoms to resolve. Although the individual is cured of HFMD when symptoms and signs stop, the individual may still shed viruses for a week or so.
There are many viruses that cause HFMD. Resolution of one infection may not protect against subsequent different viral types that can cause HFMD; consequently, a person can get the disease again. However, as children get older, they are less likely to get HFMD.
When should I contact medical caregiver about hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)?
For most children and adults, HFMD is a self-limiting disease that resolves with no therapy and does not require treatment by a medical caregiver. However, if symptoms and signs become severe and especially if the individual becomes dehydrated (poor fluid intake, dry mucous membranes, and little or no urination) and/or is not acting normally, a medical caregiver should be contacted urgently or the individual should be seen at an emergency department.
Although there is no evidence that HFMD in a pregnant woman affects the fetus, the disease may be transferred to the neonate if the woman has HFMD at delivery. Pregnant women should contact their OB/GYN physician if they suspect they have HFMD during pregnancy.
Top Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Contagious Related Articles
Fever
Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 F (37 C), in practice, a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C). Fever is part of the body's own disease-fighting arsenal; rising body temperatures apparently are capable of killing off many disease-producing organisms.Can Adults Get Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease From Children?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious viral infection that can affect children and adults alike. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and prevention.Can I Catch Hand Foot and Mouth Disease From My Child?
A parent can catch hand, foot and mouth from their children; however, adults are more likely to remain asymptomatic.Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Mouth Picture 1
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease – Triggered by coxsackievirus infection, hand, foot & mouth causes blistering of the hands, feet and inside of the mouth, usually accompanied by loss of appetite and a low grade fever. While anyone can get it, it is most common among young children and during the summer months. It usually resolves itself on its own with no treatment, although drugs may be needed for relief if the blistering becomes painful. HFMD is not related to foot-and-mouth disease of cattle.Herpangina vs Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Herpangina and HFMD are viral infections that are common during childhood years. The most common cause of herpangina is Enterovirus. HFMD is caused mainly by the Coxsackievirus. In recent types, a strain of coxsackievirus had been implicated in herpangina as well.Is Scarlet Fever Contagious?
Scarlet fever is contagious when caused by a certain Group A strep bacteria strain. Scarlet fever can be transmitted via person-to-person contact and by coming in contact with contaminated objects. Treatment includes antibiotics. Scarlet fever symptoms include a red rash, fever, a red, sore throat, strawberry tongue, and others.Skin Rash
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.Sore Throat
Sore throat (throat pain) usually is described as pain or discomfort in the throat area. A sore throat may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, trauma, or injury to the throat area. Common symptoms of a sore throat include a fever, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, earaches, sneezing, and body aches. Home remedies for a sore throat include warm soothing liquids and throat lozenges. OTC remedies for a sore throat include OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Antibiotics may be necessary for some cases of sore throat.