Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Signs and Symptoms

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Blister-like sores in the mouth
• Rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
• The rash may also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks or genital area

Some people may have only one or two symptoms or may have no symptoms at all.

How it Spreads

HFMD is very contagious and is spread from person to person by direct contact with the viruses that cause this disease.

Spread happens when:

• Someone who is sick with HFMD sneezes, coughs or talks around others.
• A person comes into contact with fluid in blisters or the stool (poop) of someone who is infected.
• A person touches objects or surfaces touched by someone who is infected. 

People infected with HFMD are most contagious the first week they’re sick. They can still pass the virus for weeks after symptoms have gone away.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.

People at Higher Risk

HFMD is most common in infants and children younger than 5 years old.

If you are pregnant, contact your health care provider if you think you may have been exposed to HFMD.

How to Prevent HFMD

There is no vaccine to protect against the viruses that cause HFMD. But a person can lower their risk of being infected or spreading infection by:

• Washing hands often with soap and water, especially:
  • After changing diapers and using the toilet
  • Before preparing or eating food or beverages
• Helping children wash their hands and keep blisters clean.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, including toys. Wash the items with soap and water, then disinfect them with a fresh solution of chlorine bleach. (Tip: Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach and 4 cups of water.)
• Avoiding touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoiding close contact with people who have HFMD, including:
  • Kissing or hugging
  • Sharing eating utensils or cups
• Staying home and away from others if you’re sick. People with HFMD should stay at home until their fever resolves. Children should stay home from school or child care until:
  • Their fever resolves
  • They are well enough to take part in normal activities
  • They have no uncontrolled drooling with mouth sores

More tips: How to Keep Illness from Spreading

Treatment and Recovery

There is no specific treatment for HMFD. Most people get better on their own in seven to 10 days. You can usually take steps at home to manage symptoms while you or your child are sick.

• Take over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain caused by mouth sores. Never give aspirin to children.
• Drink enough liquids. You should take steps to prevent dehydration while you or your child are sick. Mouth sores can make it painful to swallow, so your child may not want to drink much. Make sure they drink enough to stay hydrated.
• See your health care provider if symptoms are severe.

In rare cases, HFMD can cause complications, such as viral meningitis. Symptoms of viral meningitis include headache, stiff neck and fever. People with viral meningitis sometimes need to be hospitalized.