Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

The State of CT, Department of Public Health has been receiving an increased number of phone calls about HMFD. The information provided below is taken directly from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and will answer many of the questions you may have. While the name of this illness sounds scary, it is a common, contagious illness that primarily affects infants and young children, although older children and adults can also get it. It generally resolves without complications, however dehydration can result if the child does not drink enough fluids. 

Hand, foot, and mouth disease, or HFMD, is a contagious illness that is caused by different viruses. It is common in infants and children younger than 5 years old, because they do not yet have immunity (protection) to the viruses that cause HFMD. However, older children and adults can also get HFMD. In the United States it is more common for people to get HFMD during spring, summer, and fall.

The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease often include the following: Fever; Reduced appetite; Sore throat; A feeling of being unwell; Painful sores in the mouth that usually begin as flat red spots; A rash of flat red spots that may blister on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the knees, elbows, buttocks, and/or genital area. These symptoms usually appear in stages, not all at once. Also, not everyone will get all of these symptoms. Some people may show no symptoms at all, but they can still pass the virus to others.

Is HFMD Serious? HFMD is usually not serious. The illness is typically mild, and nearly all people 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, lack of energy, sleepiness, or trouble waking up from sleep) and may need to be hospitalized for a few days. Other even more rare complications can include polio-like paralysis, or encephalitis (brain inflammation) which can be fatal.

Is HFMD Contagious? Yes. The viruses that cause HFMD can be found in an infected person's nose and throat secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus); Blister fluid; or feces (poop.) HFMD spreads from an infected person to others through: Close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing cups and eating utensils; Coughing and sneezing; Contact with feces, for example when changing a diaper; Contact with blister fluid; or touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them

People with HFMD are most contagious during the first week of their illness. However, they may sometimes remain contagious for weeks after symptoms go away. Some people, especially adults, may not develop any symptoms, but they can still spread the viruses to others. This is why you should always try to maintain good hygiene, like washing hands often with soap and water, so you can minimize your chance of getting and spreading infections.

Who Is at Risk for HFMD? HFMD mostly affects infants and children younger than 5 years old. However, older children and adults can get it, too. When someone gets HFMD, they develop immunity (protection) to the specific virus that caused their infection. However, because HFMD is caused by several different viruses, people can get the disease again.

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

Can HFMD Be Prevented? There is no vaccine to protect against HFMD. However, you can reduce the risk of getting infected with the viruses that cause HFMD by following a few simple steps: Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, and help young children do the same; Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups and eating utensils with people who have HFMD; and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick

Is HFMD the Same as Foot-and-Mouth Disease? No. HFMD is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease (also called hoof-and-mouth disease), which affects cattle, sheep, and swine. Humans do not get the animal disease, and animals do not get the human disease.

A young child with a fever is frightening for many parents. For most children who get HFMD, the illness will go away within 7 to 10 days without complications. If you feel your child is not getting better, with this illness or any other that does not resolve, contact your pediatrician. This information was presented by Quinnipiack Valley Health District, a regional health department serving the towns of Bethany, Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge, 203 248-4528.