What is Hand, Mouth and Foot Disease?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a highly contagious infection.

It’s caused by viruses from the Enterovirus genus, most commonly the coxsackievirus.

These viruses can spread from person-to-person through direct contact with unwashed hands or surfaces contaminated with feces.

It can also be transmitted through contact with an infected person’s saliva, stool, or respiratory secretions.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is characterized by blisters or sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It is generally a mild condition that goes away on its own within several days.

What are the symptoms of HFMD?

The symptoms begin to develop three to seven days after the initial infection. This period is known as the incubation period. When symptoms do appear, you or your child may experience:

• a fever
• a poor appetite
• a sore throat
• a headache
• irritability
• painful, red blisters in the mouth
• a red rash on the hands and the soles of the feet

A fever and sore throat are usually the first symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease. The characteristic blisters and rashes show up later, usually one or two days after the fever begins











For more information about HFMD, click here.


Credit to: www.healthline.com