Is hand foot and mouth disease infectious?

Yes. The incubation period is 3-6 days. This means it takes 3-6 days to develop symptoms after being infected from another person. Sometimes small outbreaks occur in nurseries and schools. It is mainly infectious until the spots and mouth ulcers have gone. However, children can still be mildly infectious for several weeks longer as the virus may be passed out with the faeces (stools) for several weeks after the symptoms have gone. It is impractical to exclude children from school or nursery once the symptoms have gone. However, it is sensible to maintain good hygiene to reduce the chance of passing on the virus. In particular, hand washing after going to the toilet.

What is the treatment for hand foot and mouth disease?

Give paracetamol (Calpol, Disprol, etc) or ibuprofen if the child has a high temperature or a sore mouth. Give plenty to drink. Cool sloppy foods such as yoghurt may be best for a day or so if the mouth is sore. Ice lollies may help to ease a sore mouth, and are also a way of giving a drink. Tell a doctor if a child stops drinking due to a sore mouth or if you are concerned about any symptoms.

© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: October 2006

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