HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE
Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually seen in children under 10 years old but may also occur in adults. This disease is often seen among children in childcare during the summer and early fall.
SYMPTOMS:
• Blisters on the sides of the tongue
• Blisters inside the cheeks
• Blisters on the child’s gums
• Blisters may also appear on the palms of the child’s hands, fingers, soles of their feet, and buttocks.
• Blisters last for 7-10 days
• A low-grade fever may occur for 1 to 2 days.
It is spread by secretions from the infected person when they cough or sneeze. A child can come down with the disease 3-6 days after exposure.
People who are going to contract the infection usually do so three to six days after exposure. The disease can linger in the stools for several weeks after the illness is over. Therefore, it is important to following the following hygiene routines:
• Wash your hands and the child’s hand after diapering a baby
• Wash or make sure children wash their hand thoroughly after going to the bathroom
• Teach children to sneeze or cough into their elbow.
• Teach children to wash hands after using a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately
• Clean and disinfect toys, diapering area, potty chairs, toilets daily of when soiled.
• Don’t allow children to share drinking cups or eating utensils.
Resources
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Disease Handbook for Childcare Providers revised -January 2018
Disclaimer
This information is for general purposes only and should not be construed as a substituted for professional advice from your health professional. We do not support self-diagnosis based on any information found in this fact sheet. We are not responsible for any self-diagnosis made by a reader based on information found in this fact sheet. It is merely meant to be an informational tool to present
warning signs that should be brought to the attention of a medical doctor