Hand Foot and Mouth Disease: How to Help Your Child

School is back in full swing here in Texas, so are those pesky germs that love to spread around kids! One common illness we see this time of year is Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (HFM). It mostly affects younger children, those in daycare, preschoolers, and early elementary school are at the highest risk. While less common, older kids and even adults can catch it too.

What is HFM?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth is a contagious virus that usually starts with fever, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes crankiness or loss of appetite. Within a day or two, painful blisters can pop up inside the mouth, and a rash may appear on the hands, feet, or even other parts of the body. 

How Does it Spread?

HFM spreads quickly through areas where children gather together. The virus that causes HFM disease, known as an enterovirus, can survive on surfaces for several hours to days! Transmission occurs when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can also be spread through contact with the saliva, mucus, or stool of an infected person. Something to keep in mind: even after your child starts feeling better, the virus can continue to live in their stool for several weeks. Make sure to wash hands well after diaper changes or bathroom breaks to help stop the spread.

When to See a Doctor

Most kids recover from HFM at home, but sometimes it’s best to get checked out. If your child can’t keep fluids down, shows signs of dehydration (like a dry mouth or fewer wet diapers), or has symptoms that seem to be getting worse, especially a high fever that won’t improve, it’s time to see a healthcare provider.

How to Help Your Child Feel Better at Home

Antibiotics are not indicated for HFM since it’s caused by a virus. Instead, treatment focuses on comfort:

• Fever & pain relief – Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can ease discomfort
• Mouth relief – soft foods and cold treats (like popsicles!) can help with painful mouth sores
• Hydration – Encourage fluids, especially if swallowing is painful

When Can They Go Back to School or Daycare?

This is the big question parents ask! Children can usually return to school or daycare when:

• They have been fever-free for 24 hours 
• Their blisters have started to heal and are no longer open.

This often takes about a week, but each school may have its own rules.

At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, we see children with HFM frequently, especially during the school year. With multiple convenient locations across Texas, our walk-in clinics are here to help kids up to age 21 feel better fast. Book online today or walk in to a clinic near you!