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<div class="cdc-dfe-body "> <div class="cdc-dfe-body__top "> <div class="dfe-section dfe-section--page-summary summary-list" data-section="cdc_disease_basics_page_summary"> <div class="dfe-section__header"> <h2>Key points</h2> </div> <div class="dfe-section__content"> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is common in children under 5 years old, but anyone can get it.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">The illness is usually not serious, but it is very contagious.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">To prevent spreading HFMD, wash your hands often, clean and disinfect surfaces, and avoid close contact with others.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <div class="dfe-section__nav hide" id="dfe-section__nav"> <div class="dfe-section__nav__header" id="dfe-section__nav__header"> </div> <div class="dfe-section__nav-links" id="dfe-section__nav-links"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="dfe-section__image" id="page-summary-image"> <figure class="dfe-image dfe-image__large"><div class="image-container fluid aspect-ratio-16-9 stretch"><img src="/hand-foot-mouth/images/children-playing-daycare.jpg" alt="Young children playing with blocks at a daycare." title="children-playing-daycare"></div></figure> </div> <div id="nav-buttons"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cdc-dfe-body__center "> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_disease_basics_overview"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_disease_basics_overview-what-it-is" name="What%20it%20is" title="What it is"></a><h2>What it is</h2> <p>HFMD is a common illness that usually causes fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. It can spread quickly at schools and day care centers. Most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days.</p> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_disease_basics_symptoms"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_disease_basics_symptoms-signs-and-symptoms" name="Signs%20and%20symptoms" title="Signs and symptoms"></a><h2>Signs and symptoms</h2> <p>Most children have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days. Symptoms may include:</p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">Fever<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Sore throat<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Painful mouth sores that blister<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Rash commonly found on the hands and feet<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Complications from HFMD are rare. </p> <div class="dfe-block dfe-block--keep_reading"><b>Keep Reading:</b> <a href="/hand-foot-mouth/signs-symptoms/index.html">Detailed HFMD Symptoms and When to See a Doctor</a></div><figure class="dfe-image dfe-image__small"><div class="image-container fluid aspect-ratio-16-9 stretch"><img src="/hand-foot-mouth/images/hfmd-childs-foot.jpg" alt="Mother holds child's foot and shows a rash of red spots." title="hfmd-childs-foot"></div> <div class="dfe-image-caption-container"><figcaption class="dfe-image-caption" id="caption-787-66ce1036afff2">A rash on the palms and soles is a common sign of HFMD.</figcaption></div></figure> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_disease_basics_population"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_disease_basics_population-who-is-at-risk" name="Who%20is%20at%20risk" title="Who is at risk"></a><h2>Who is at risk</h2> <p>HFMD is most common in infants and children younger than 5 years old. </p> <p>If you are pregnant, contact your doctor if you think you may have been exposed to HFMD. Complications from HFMD are rare. However, your own medical history and how far along you are in your pregnancy can affect the situation.</p> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_disease_basics_causes_risk_spread"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_disease_basics_causes_risk_spread-how-it-spreads" name="How%20it%20spreads" title="How it spreads"></a><h2>How it spreads</h2> <p>HFMD is caused by viruses. A person infected with one of these viruses is contagious. This means they can pass the virus easily to other people.</p> <p>HFMD can spread through contact with: </p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">Droplets with virus particles made after person sneezes, coughs, or talks<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Objects and surfaces that have virus particles<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Fluid from blisters<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Poop<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <div class="dfe-block dfe-block--keep_reading"><b>Keep Reading:</b> <a href="/hand-foot-mouth/causes/index.html">HFMD: Causes and How It Spreads</a></div> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_disease_basics_prevention"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_disease_basics_prevention-prevention" name="Prevention" title="Prevention"></a><h2>Prevention</h2> <p>HFMD is very contagious. To help prevent catching or spreading HFMD:</p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1"><strong>Wash your hands often</strong> with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1"><strong>Help children wash their hands</strong> and keep blisters clean.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1"><strong>Avoid touching your face </strong>with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1"><strong>Clean and disinfect </strong>frequently touched surfaces and shared items, including toys and doorknobs.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1"><strong>Avoid close contact</strong> with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>There is no vaccine in the United States to protect against the viruses that cause HFMD.</p> <figure class="dfe-image dfe-image__large"><div class="image-container fluid aspect-ratio-16-9"><img src="/hand-foot-mouth/images/family-washing-hands-lg.jpg" alt="Family washing their hands together at the kitchen sink." title="family-washing-hands-lg"></div> <div class="dfe-image-caption-container"><figcaption class="dfe-image-caption" id="caption-1457-66ce1036b0ed4">Teach children how to wash hands often to prevent HFMD from spreading.</figcaption></div></figure> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_disease_basics_treatment"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_disease_basics_treatment-treatment-and-recovery" name="Treatment%20and%20recovery" title="Treatment and recovery"></a><h2>Treatment and recovery</h2> <p>HFMD is usually not serious. Most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days with minimal or no medical treatment. You can take steps to manage symptoms while you or your child are sick.</p> <h3>Manage symptoms at home</h3> <p><strong>Relieve pain and fever.</strong> Take over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain caused by mouth sores. Never give aspirin to children.</p> <p><strong>Prevent dehydration (loss of fluids).</strong> You can take steps to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration while you or your child are sick. Drink enough liquids. Mouth sores can make it painful to swallow, so your child may not want to drink much. Make sure they drink enough to stay hydrated.</p> <h3>When to return to school</h3> <p>Because HFMD is normally mild, children can continue to go to child care and schools as long as they:</p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">Have no fever.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Feel well enough to participate in class.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Have no uncontrolled drooling with mouth sores.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if you are still not sure when it is okay for them to return. Sometimes, the local health department may require children with HFMD to stay home to control an outbreak.</p> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_disease_basics_res"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_disease_basics_res-resources" name="Resources" title="Resources"></a><h2>Resources</h2> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1"><a href="/clean-hands/about/index.html" class="">When and How to Wash Your Hands</a><ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/" class="">Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings</a><ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1"><a href="/non-polio-enterovirus/about/index.html" class="">About Non-Polio Enteroviruses</a><ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1"><a href="https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/207490" class="tp-link-policy" rel="noreferrer" data-domain-ext="int">A Guide to Clinical Management for HFMD | WHO<span class="visually-hidden sr-only" aria-label=" external icon" role="img"></span><span class="cdc-icon-external cdc-link-icon" aria-hidden="true" alt="external icon"></span></a><br><ul> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="cdc-dfe-body__right page-right-rail"> <aside class="page-right-rail__static noindex" role="complementary"> <div class="on-this-page " data-sid=""> <h2 class="on-this-page__heading"> On This Page </h2> <div class="card-body"> <ul> <li><a href="#cdc_disease_basics_overview-what-it-is">What it is</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_disease_basics_symptoms-signs-and-symptoms">Signs and symptoms</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_disease_basics_population-who-is-at-risk">Who is at risk</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_disease_basics_causes_risk_spread-how-it-spreads">How it spreads</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_disease_basics_prevention-prevention">Prevention</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_disease_basics_treatment-treatment-and-recovery">Treatment and recovery</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_disease_basics_res-resources">Resources</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </aside> <aside class="page-right-rail__dynamic noindex" role="complementary"> <div data-related-nav></div> </aside> </div> </div> <div data-journey-next></div> <section class="container page-mobile-bar"> <time class="page-mobile-bar__item page-mobile-bar__item--date" datetime="2024-05-07 00:00:00"> May 7, 2024 </time> </section> <div class="page-content-sources noindex"> <div class="page-content-sources__header"> <a data-action="summary" class="collapsed" href="#content-sources" role="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="content-sources" data-cs-toggle="">Sources</a> <a data-action="print" href="#print" class="d-none d-md-block" aria-label="print this page" onclick="window.print()">Print</a> <a data-action="share" href="#share" data-bs-toggle="dropdown" aria-label="share this page" aria-expanded="false">Share</a> <div class="dropdown-menu page-share-bar" data-popper-placement="bottom-start"> <a href="#" class="page-share-facebook"><span class="cdc-icon-facebook"></span></a> <a href="#" class="page-share-linkedin"><span class="cdc-icon-linkedin"></span></a> <a href="#" class="page-share-twitter"><span class="cdc-icon-twitter"></span></a> <a href="#" class="page-share-syndication"><span class="cdc-icon-rss"></span></a> </div> </div> <div class="page-share-container"> <div class="page-share-popup" id="page-share-popup" role="dialog"> <a target="_blank" title="Share to Facebook" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="page-share-facebook metrics-share-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov"> <span class="sr-only">Facebook</span> <span class="cdc-icon-facebook-inverse"></span> </a> <a target="_blank" title="Share to LinkedIn" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="page-share-linkedin metrics-share-linkedin" href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov&title=Living%20with%20High%20Blood%20Pressure"> <span class="sr-only">LinkedIn</span> <span class="cdc-icon-linkedin-inverse"></span> </a> <a target="_blank" title="Share to Twitter" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="page-share-twitter metrics-share-twitter" href="https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov&text=Living%20with%20High%20Blood%20Pressure"> <span class="sr-only">Twitter</span> <span class="cdc-icon-twitter-inverse"></span> </a> <a target="_blank" title="Embed this Page" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="page-share-syndication metrics-share-syndicate" href="https://tools.cdc.gov/medialibrary/index.aspx#/sharecontent/https://https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/index.html"> <span class="sr-only">Syndicate</span> <span class="fi cdc-icon-syndication-round"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div id="content-sources" class="page-content-sources__body accordion-collapse collapse"> <div class="callout callout-content-source" role="status"> <div class="callout-heading">Content Source:</div> <a class="cdc-block-link" href="/ncird/index.html">National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases</a>; 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