Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Symptoms & Signs
HFMD is most commonly an illness of the spring and fall seasons. Initial symptoms of mild fever (101 F-102 F) and malaise are followed within one or two days by a characteristic rash. Small (2 mm-3 mm) red spots that quickly develop into small blisters (vesicles) appear on the palms, soles, and oral cavity. The gums, tongue, and inner cheek are most commonly involved in the mouth. The foot lesions may also involve the lower calf region and rarely may appear on the buttocks.
Is hand, foot, and mouth disease contagious?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is highly contagious. It is easily spread by nose and throat secretions (nasal mucus, saliva, kissing, for example). For children, it is common to transmit the disease by the fecal-oral route. In addition, these viruses can be transmitted in contaminated droplets developed during sneezing or coughing. If the droplets land on objects, uninfected people can be contaminated if they pick up the object and then put their hands in their mouths or touch their faces. A person may be contagious before symptoms develop and are most contagious during the first week of illness. However, some individuals can be contagious for weeks after symptoms and signs remit. Some people, especially adults, develop no symptoms but still can be contagious.