17/02/2026
🦠 Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD): What Parents Should Know
We are once again seeing cases of HFMD in our area.
Last year there was a significant outbreak, and many parents also became ill after catching it from their children.
HFMD is common, highly contagious, and although usually mild, it can be uncomfortable for children and worrying for parents.
👶 What is HFMD?
Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease is a viral illness that mostly affects babies and children under 5, but older children and adults can also get it.
It is caused by:
* Coxsackieviruses (most common cause)
* Enteroviruses (also associated with outbreaks)
⚠️ Important note:
HFMD is NOT the same as “foot-and-mouth disease” seen in animals (cattle, sheep, pigs).
They are caused by different viruses and are not related. Humans don’t get the animal disease, and animals don’t get HFMD.
🤒 Signs & Symptoms
HFMD usually starts with:
* Fever
* Poor appetite
* Feeling generally unwell (malaise)
* Sore throat
After 1–2 days:
👄 Painful mouth sores develop
* Start as red spots → blister → ulcers
* Often at the back of the mouth
🖐️🦶 Skin rash appears within 1–2 days
* Flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters
* Common on palms and soles
* Can also appear on knees, elbows, buttocks or ge***al area
💧 Dehydration risk:
Children may refuse fluids due to painful mouth sores, increasing the risk of dehydration.
🦠 How does HFMD spread?
The virus is found in:
* Nose and throat secretions (saliva, nasal mucus)
* Fluid from blisters
* Stool (nappies!)
HFMD spreads through:
* Close personal contact
* Coughing or sneezing
* Contact with contaminated surfaces
* Touching eyes, nose or mouth after contact with infected surfaces
📅 Contagious period:
Children are most contagious in the first week, but can still spread the virus for days or weeks after symptoms improve.
Some adults may carry the virus without symptoms and still spread it.
🏠 Stay home while sick.
Children should not return to crèche or school while actively unwell.
🐶 Not spread by pets or animals.
🩺 Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose HFMD based on:
* The child’s age
* Symptoms
* Typical appearance of the rash and mouth sores
In severe or unclear cases, throat or stool samples may be sent for testing.
⚠️ Possible Complications (uncommon but important)
Most children recover fully, but complications can include:
* Dehydration
* Aseptic (viral) meningitis – rare
* Encephalitis (brain inflammation) – very rare
* Temporary fingernail or toenail loss (may occur weeks later)
💊 Treatment (Supportive Care)
There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD.
Treatment focuses on comfort:
* Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen for fever and pain
* Mouth sprays or rinses to numb mouth pain
* Encourage frequent small sips of fluids
* Cold foods (yoghurt, ice lollies) may be easier to tolerate
🏥 If a child cannot drink enough due to pain, hospital admission for IV fluids may be necessary.
🧼 Prevention
There is no vaccine for HFMD.
Reduce spread by:
✔️ Frequent handwashing
✔️ Cleaning toys and surfaces
✔️ Avoiding sharing cups, cutlery, or towels
✔️ Avoiding kissing and close contact when someone is sick
✔️ Keeping sick children at home
🚨 When to contact your doctor
* If your child is not drinking
* Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, fewer wet nappies)
* Persistent fever
* Severe pain
* Child appears unusually sleepy or unwell
* You are worried (parent instinct matters!)
🤍 Final reassurance
HFMD looks dramatic, spreads easily, and can make children miserable — but most children recover well with supportive care and rest.
Good hygiene and hydration are your biggest tools.
Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician
