Health beat: Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease, or HFMD, is a contagious illness caused by different viruses. Infants and children younger than 5 years are more likely to get this disease. However, older children and adults can also contract it. In the United States and other countries with changing seasons, it is more common for people to contract hand, foot and mouth disease from spring to fall.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually begin with a fever, reduced appetite, sore throat and a feeling of being unwell. A day or two after the fever starts, painful sores can develop in the mouth. A skin rash with flat red spots also may develop on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This sometimes can occur on the knees, elbows and buttocks as well. This rash may blister but usually won't itch.

Not everyone will have all of these symptoms. Some people may have only a rash; some may have only mouth sores. Other people may show no symptoms at all, but they can still pass the virus to others.

Is it serious?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually not serious. The illness is typically mild, and nearly all patients recover in seven to 10 days without medical treatment. Complications are uncommon. Rarely, an infected person can develop viral meningitis [characterized by fever, headache, stiff neck or back pain] and may need to be hospitalized for a few days. Other rare complications may include polio-like paralysis or encephalitis [brain inflammation], which can be fatal.

Is it contagious?

Yes. The viruses that cause hand, foot and mouth disease can be found in the following places in an infected person:

* Nose and throat secretions [such as saliva, sputum or nasal mucus]

* Blister fluid

* Feces [stool]

The viruses can spread from an infected person to others through the following:

* Close contact, such as kissing, hugging or sharing cups and eating utensils

* Coughing and sneezing

* Contact with feces, which can happen during diaper changing

* Contact with blister fluid

* Touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them

People with hand, foot and mouth disease are most contagious during the first week of their illness. However, they can sometimes be contagious for weeks after symptoms go away. Some people, especially adults, who become infected with the viruses that cause the disease may not develop any symptoms. However, they can still spread the virus to others.

Who is at risk?

Hand, foot and mouth disease mostly affects infants and children younger than 5 years old. However, older children and adults can contract it, too. When people contract hand, foot and mouth disease, they usually develop immunity to the specific virus that caused their infection. However, because it can be caused by several different viruses, people can contract the disease again.

Can it be treated?

There is no specific treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease. Fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter fever reducers/pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is important to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration [loss of body fluids].

Can it be prevented?

There is no vaccine to protect against hand, foot and mouth disease. However, you can reduce the risk of getting infected with the viruses that cause it by following a few simple steps:

* Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

* Avoid close contact [kissing, hugging, sharing cups and eating utensils] with people who are infected.

* Disinfect frequently touched surfaces [toys, doorknobs, etc.], especially if someone is sick.

Is it similar to other diseases?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease [also called hoof-and-mouth disease], which affects cattle, sheep and pigs. Humans do not contract the animal disease, and animals do not contract the human disease. For more information, see the U.S. Department of Agriculture fact sheet, Foot-and-Mouth Disease.