THURSDAY, Oct. 12, 2023 (HealthDay News) - Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease that's highly contagious. Common in children, it spreads quickly at day care centers and schools.
This guide will tell you what you need to know about hand, foot and mouth disease, its symptoms, causes, stages and treatment.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is an illness caused by a very contagious virus that can be passed along before a person is aware he or she is infected.
While hand, foot and mouth disease in adults is rare, it can happen, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Hand, foot and mouth disease in children under 10 is far more common.
Is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?
Be aware that hand, foot and mouth disease is easily transmitted from person to person. But just how is hand, foot and mouth disease spread? It can be transmitted in several ways, according to the Cleveland Clinic:
What causes hand, foot and mouth disease?
Two families of viruses cause hand, foot and mouth disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
"Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is caused by human enteroviruses and coxsackieviruses."wrote a team headed by Dr. Aaron Saguil, an associate dean at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, in American Family Physician:
Hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms include:
Stages of hand, foot and mouth disease:
The time from initial infection to first symptoms (incubation period) is three to six days, according to the Mayo Clinic. The illness typically has three stages:
Hand, foot and mouth disease treatment
While there is no specific medical treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease, according to the CDC, most people get well on their own in seven to 10 days. However, some medications and supportive therapies can provide relief.
Medication for hand, foot and mouth disease
These medications for hand, foot and mouth disease can help with comfort and fever. Important: Do not give children aspirin.
Hand, foot and mouth disease supportive therapy
Here are some supportive therapy suggestions.
If hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms become severe, you feel your child may be dehydrated, or if you or your child has a weak immune system, call your medical provider. In addition, if the fever doesn't go away in three days, or the symptoms last more than 10 days, contact your physician.
Living with hand, foot and mouth disease
While hand, foot and mouth disease is short-lived, living with it can be challenging. Because of this, prevention should be at the top of mind. Here are some ideas to help you avoid infection and passing the virus along, if you are.
Resources
Cleveland Clinic: Can Adults Get Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?
Cleveland Clinic: What to Know About Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
Mayo Clinic: Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
American Family Physician: Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Rapid Evidence Review
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: How to Treat Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease