Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious viral illness that commonly affects infants and children. There is no vaccine to prevent the disease. But, you and your family can take simple steps to reduce your risk.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral illness that commonly affects infants and children in the U.S. and abroad. In the U.S. and other countries with temperate climates, HFMD occurs most often in the spring to fall. While there is no vaccine to prevent the disease, there are simple steps you and your family can take to reduce the risk of getting sick.

HFMD —

• Usually causes fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters
• Is moderately contagious
• Mostly affects children younger than 10 years of age, but people of any age can be infected
• Has no specific treatment
• Infection risk can be reduced by practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently
• Is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease

What Are the Symptoms of HFMD?

Symptoms usually begin with a fever, poor appetite, malaise (feeling vaguely unwell), and often a sore throat. A couple of days after the fever starts, painful sores can develop in the mouth. A skin rash with flat or raised red spots can also develop, usually on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and sometimes on the buttocks. This rash may blister, but it will not itch.

Some people with HFMD may only have a rash; others may only have mouth sores. Other people with HFMD may show no symptoms at all.

Is HFMD Serious?

HFMD is usually not serious. The illness is typically mild, and nearly all patients recover in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment. Complications are uncommon. Rarely, an infected person can develop viral meningitis (characterized by fever, headache, stiff neck, or back pain) and may need to be hospitalized for a few days. Other rare complications can include polio-like paralysis or encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can be fatal.

Is HFMD Contagious?

Yes, HFMD is moderately contagious. The viruses that cause HFMD can found in an infected person’s nose and throat secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus), blister fluid, or feces (stool).

HFMD spreads from an infected person to others through

• close personal contact, such as kissing or hugging,
• the air by coughing and sneezing,
• contact with feces, and
• touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them.

People with HFMD are most contagious during the first week of their illness. But, they can spread the virus that causes HFMD weeks after symptoms have gone away. That is because the virus can stay in the feces for weeks. It is also important to remember that people who get HFMD and show no symptoms of the disease can still spread the viruses that cause it.

Who Is at Risk for HFMD?

HFMD mostly infects children younger than 10 years of age, but older children and adults can also get the disease. People who get HFMD develop immunity to the specific virus that caused their infection. However, because HFMD can be caused by several different viruses, people can get the disease again if they are infected by one of the other HFMD-causing viruses.

Can HFMD Be Treated?

There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter fever reducers/pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In addition, people with HFMD should drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).

Can HFMD Be Prevented?

There is no vaccine to protect against HFMD. However, the risk of getting the disease can be reduced by

• Washing your hands often, especially after changing diapers;
• Thoroughly cleaning objects and surfaces (toys, doorknobs, etc.) that may be contaminated with a virus that causes HFMD; and
• Avoiding close contact (like kissing and hugging) with people who are infected.

Is HFMD the Same as Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

No. HFMD is often confused with foot-and-mouth (also called hoof-and-mouth) disease, which affects cattle, sheep, and swine. For information on foot-and-mouth disease, visit the Web site of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

More Information

• About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreaks
• Clean Hands Save Lives! (hand-washing tips)
• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease [PODCAST - 4:20 minutes]