In the last few weeks, our New Canaan Pediatrics providers have seen several cases of hand-foot-and-mouth (HFM) disease. Our patient families would like to know more – so we’re here to answer the most common questions.
Is HFM like Foot-and-Mouth Disease?
Foot-and-Mouth, or Hoof-and-Mouth, disease is found in farm animals and is completely different. Your child cannot get HFM from animals and cannot infect animals with HFM.
How would my child get HFM?
HFM is most commonly caused by a coxsackievirus, spread through bodily fluids like mucus, saliva or stool, usually through sneezing, coughing or poor hygiene after toileting. HFM usually affects children under 10 and most commonly kids under 5. HFM is common in camps, child care and schools in summer and fall, so we’re at the peak season for HFM.
What should I watch for if my child has been exposed to HFM?
It takes about three to six days for symptoms to appear after your child is infected. While a fever and sore throat are usually the first indicators of HFM, the name of this condition indicates a great deal about other symptoms.
- Hand-Foot. Watch for a red rash that may blister on the palms of your child’s hands, the soles of their feet and perhaps on their buttocks. This rash will probably not itch, nor seem to irritate your child.
- Your child may experience painful, red lesions or ulcerations that may look like canker sores or blisters on their tongue, gums, inside of cheeks and back of the throat.
- No appetite.
- Irritability in infants and toddlers.
- General feeling of being unwell.
How is HFM treated?
Because HFM is a mild disease, home care can usually relieve your child’s discomfort.
- Push fluids like water and milk. Avoid acidic liquids like juice or sports drinks as these can aggravate the pain of lesions.
- Make sure your child is getting enough rest.
- Administer pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) according to the medication directions.
Do I need to make an appointment with New Canaan Pediatrics?
Typically, children recover within a week to 10 days with home care. However, if mouth lesions or a sore throat restrict your child’s fluid intake, or if symptoms worsen instead of improving after a few days, call us. Dehydration can be very serious in young children and if your child’s symptoms worsen, we will want to test for other conditions.
Can I prevent HFM?
Reduce your family’s risk of contracting HFM by encouraging your children to wash their hands often throughout the day and especially after using the bathroom. Disinfect your home, especially the bathroom and kitchen, often. Disinfect toys, pacifiers and shared objects. Keep infected family members away from others and thoroughly wash any utensils, cups, plates and other shared objects.
Why don’t adults and older children seem to get HFM?
Humans develop an immunity to HFM after repeated exposure and, but adults and teens can contract it.
When can my child go back to regular activities?
With home care, your child should feel better and see symptoms disappear within a week and a half. However, the virus can live in the body for several weeks after symptoms clear, and they can infect others. Keep your child home until blisters and lesions have crusted over and the fever is gone for at least 24 hours.
If you have additional questions about hand-foot-and-mouth disease or your child’s overall health, we are here to help. Just click on your patient portal to send your New Canaan Pediatrics provider a message.