Is Your Child at Risk for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

No, it's not the same thing that affects sheep and cows. Hand, foot and mouth disease refers to a viral infection that causes blisters on the affected areas of children. It is usually fairly mild, but it can cause severe complications.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is contagious until the blisters dry up. It is most commonly passed by a child touching or mouthing a toy that has liquid from an infected blister on it. It can also be passed on through fecal matter, where the virus can actually survive for up to three or four weeks after the child has recovered. Good hygiene can prevent major outbreaks in day-care centers and schools. Infected children shouldn't be allowed to attend until the blisters are gone.

The incubation period for this disease is 2-5 days and you will first notice a mild fever, followed by the appearance of blisters in the mouth, throat, hands, and feet of the infected child. The pain caused by the open sores in the mouth can prevent children from eating and they may be lethargic. Blisters can also appear in other areas, most commonly the groin area.

Cold foods and drinks can help alleviate some of the discomfort of mouth sores and help your child get some nutrition in. It is important to avoid acidic things such as citric juice, tomatoes and anything else that could cause more pain. A mild painkiller such as Children's Tylenol can help bring down the fever and make your child feel better.

Since hand, foot and mouth disease is viral, it is much like a cold in that you can't get rid of it. It simply has to run its course and then it will be gone. In the meantime, you should keep your child home and try to relieve the pain and discomfort as much as possible. Be sure to wash and disinfect anything the infected child comes in contact with, since the liquid from the blisters contains the virus and can be easily spread.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is most common in group settings, like day-care and occurs more frequently during hotter months. Once a child has been infected, he will probably not get the same virus again, but may end up with the same disease since there are several different viruses that cause the same symptoms. Most of them are harmless, but at least one can cause more severe problems, so be sure to call your doctor if you child complains of a stiff neck or headaches, or if paralysis appears.