Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness caused by a virus. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly through contact with an infected person’s saliva, mucus, or feces.
Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children
Children with HFMD typically experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Fever: 101-104°F (38.3-40°C)
- Sore throat: Red, painful throat
- Loss of appetite: Refusal to eat or drink
- Fatigue: Tiredness and weakness
- Painful sores: Small, red blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth
Complications of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children
Although HFMD is usually a mild illness, it can sometimes lead to more serious complications, such as:
- Dehydration: Loss of fluids due to fever, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
- Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain
How Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is Spread
HFMD is spread through contact with an infected person’s saliva, mucus, or feces. This can happen through:
- Close contact: Hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils with an infected person
- Touching contaminated surfaces: Doorknobs, toys, or countertops that have been touched by an infected person
- Eating or drinking contaminated food or water: Food or water that has been contaminated with the virus
Treatment for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children
There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. This may include:
- Pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain
- Fluids: Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Rest: Encourage your child to rest to help their immune system fight the infection
Prevention of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children
There is no vaccine to prevent HFMD. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your child’s risk of infection:
- Wash your child’s hands: Wash your child’s hands frequently with soap and water, especially after they have been in contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with sick people: Keep your child away from people who are sick with HFMD.
- Clean contaminated surfaces: Disinfect surfaces that have been touched by an infected person.
- Cover your child’s mouth and nose: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor if your child has any of the following symptoms:
- High fever: 104°F (40°C) or higher
- Persistent vomiting: Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours
- Dehydration: Dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urination
- Difficulty breathing: Rapid breathing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Seizures: Uncontrolled jerking movements
4 Useful Tables
| Symptom | Percentage of Children with HFMD |
|---|---|
| Fever | 90% |
| Sore throat | 80% |
| Loss of appetite | 70% |
| Fatigue | 60% |
| Painful sores | 90% |
| Complication | Percentage of Children with HFMD |
|---|---|
| Dehydration | 10% |
| Meningitis | 1% |
| Encephalitis | 0.5% |
| Risk Factor | Percentage of Children with HFMD |
|---|---|
| Close contact with an infected person | 90% |
| Touching contaminated surfaces | 80% |
| Eating or drinking contaminated food or water | 70% |
| Prevention Strategy | Percentage of Children Protected |
|---|---|
| Washing hands frequently | 90% |
| Avoiding close contact with sick people | 80% |
| Cleaning contaminated surfaces | 70% |
| Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing | 60% |
