Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease in Children: Symptoms, Spread and When to Seek Care

What is Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease in Children?

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease in Children is a common illness. It mostly affects young kids under five years old. However, older children and even adults can sometimes get it too. HFMD in kids is caused by viruses from the enterovirus group. The most common one is called coxsackievirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this illness usually is mild and goes away on its own. Still, it can make children feel uncomfortable for several days.

Although the name sounds scary, most children recover fully. Yet, parents and caregivers should know the signs of hand foot and mouth disease to help their child feel better and prevent spreading it to others.

Common Symptoms of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease

Usually, symptoms start three to six days after a child is exposed to the virus. This time is called the incubation period. At first, your child may seem tired or cranky. Soon after, other signs of hand foot and mouth disease appear. For example, your child may develop:

Fever, often the first sign

Sore throat or mouth pain

Small red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, or inside the mouth

Rash on the buttocks or legs

Loss of appetite

Drooling, especially in younger children

Sometimes, the blisters can be painful. Because of this, children may not want to eat or drink. Not every child will have all these symptoms. In fact, some may only have a rash or mild fever. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that symptoms are usually mild, but complications can rarely occur.

How Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease Spreads Among Children

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease spreads easily in places where children gather. For example, daycares, preschools, and playgrounds are common spots. But how does hand foot and mouth spread? The virus can pass from one child to another through:

Close contact, such as hugging or sharing toys

Touching objects or surfaces with the virus on them

Droplets from coughs or sneezes

Contact with stool, such as during diaper changes

Because the virus can live on surfaces, it is important to clean toys and wash hands often. Even after symptoms go away, children can still spread the virus for days or weeks. Therefore, keeping sick children home helps stop the spread. The CDC recommends good hygiene to limit outbreaks of HFMD in kids.

When to Seek Medical Care for Your Child

Most cases of HFMD in kids are mild and do not need special treatment. However, there are times when you should call the doctor for HFMD. For instance, seek medical care if your child:

Cannot drink enough fluids or shows signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth or no tears when crying)

Has a high fever that lasts more than three days

Is very sleepy, hard to wake, or seems confused

Has trouble breathing or swallowing

Shows signs of severe headache or stiff neck

Additionally, if your child is younger than six months or has a weak immune system, talk to your doctor early. While rare, some children can develop complications. The CDC and medical journals stress the importance of watching for these warning signs.

Prevention Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Although it is hard to stop all cases, you can lower the risk of HFMD in kids. Here are some prevention tips for parents and caregivers:

Wash hands often, especially after changing diapers or wiping noses

Clean and disinfect toys, doorknobs, and other surfaces daily

Teach children not to share cups, utensils, or food

Keep sick children home from school or daycare until fever and blisters are gone

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow

In addition, remind children to wash hands before eating and after using the bathroom. According to the CDC, these steps help prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease in children. For more information, consult Dr.Rishabh Dutt