Hand, foot and mouth disease

What is hand, foot and mouth disease? Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by a virus (usually from the coxsackie group of enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie virus A16).

It causes on the hands and feet, in the mouth and often in the ‘nappy’ area

It is generally a mild disease that lasts 7 to 10 days.

HFMD is more common during warmer weather and tends to spread easily between children. There is no connection between this disease and the foot and mouth disease that affects cattle and some other animals. HFMD occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age, but can also affect older children and adults.

Outbreaks may occur in childcare settings

By the time they are adults, most people have been infected with the virus that causes this disease. This infection is spread by direct contact with fluid from the skin blisters, nose and throat discharges (including saliva, sputum or nasal mucus), droplets (sneezing, coughing) and faeces (poo).

Good personal hygiene is important to prevent spread of the infection to others

The skin blisters of HFMD are infectious until they become crusty and there is no fluid in the blisters. The virus may also be shed in the faeces for several weeks after the blisters resolve.

People usually develop symptoms between 3 to 7 days after being infected

The most common symptoms include:

• blister-like lesions that may occur on the inside of the mouth
• sides of the tongue
• palms of the hands fingers soles of the feet
• nappy’ area children are often irritable tired may be off their food. Very rarely
• the virus can affect the lining of the brain or spinal cord
• leading to more severe symptoms such as seizures
• confusion unsteadiness

Diagnosis is usually made by your doctor based on symptoms.

Other tests are not usually required, but occasionally throat or faeces samples may be taken. HFMD is a mild illness that resolves within a week.

There is no specific treatment and usually none is required

Use paracetamol (not aspirin) as directed for fever and any discomfort. Offer plenty of fluids, but avoid orange juice, which is acidic and may cause pain with Allow blisters to dry naturally. Do not pierce blisters, as the fluid within them is infectious.

, if fever persists, of if there are any worrying symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of HFMD to others, both for those infected and their carers: after contact with the blister-like lesions, after handling nose and throat discharges, and after contact with faeces such as with toileting and nappy changing.

Use separate eating and drinking utensils

Avoid sharing items of personal hygiene (such as towels, washers and toothbrushes) and clothing (particularly shoes and socks). Thoroughly wash and clean any soiled clothing and surfaces or toys that may have been contaminated. Teach children about cough and sneeze etiquette, immediate disposal of tissues, and to wash hands afterwards.

Children with HFMD should be excluded from school and childcare centres until all of the blisters have dried.

To assist in prevention of spread, parents should report the illness to the director of the childcare centre or school principal. blisters Spread of hand, foot and mouth disease Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease fever sore throat Diagnosis of hand, foot and mouth disease Treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease mouth ulcers If a child with HFMD complains of severe headache Prevention of hand, foot and mouth disease Wash hands carefully with soap and water Where to get help Your GP (doctor) NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0400 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) Maternal and Child Health Line 13 22 29 (24 hours, 7 days).

Key Points

• It causes on the hands and feet, in the mouth and often in the ‘nappy’ area
• HFMD is more common during warmer weather and tends to spread easily between children
• HFMD occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age, but can also affect older children and adults
• By the time they are adults, most people have been infected with the virus that causes this disease
• Good personal hygiene is important to prevent spread of the infection to others