Does hand, foot and mouth disease cause fever?

Fever is a very common presentation of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. It may begin around the same time as a sore throat, reduced appetite, or feeling generally unwell. Fever by itself does not establish the cause; the pattern of symptoms and an examination help a clinician assess what is happening.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious viral illness that commonly affects children, although adults can develop it too. After the fever starts, painful spots or small blisters may appear in the mouth and on the hands, feet, or other areas of the skin. Mouth sores can make drinking uncomfortable, so watch for signs that the person is taking less fluid than usual. The illness often improves as the body clears the infection, but symptoms can vary from person to person.

Offer frequent sips of cool water or another suitable fluid. Soft foods and cool drinks may be easier to tolerate when mouth sores hurt. Rest, loose clothing, and gentle skin care can improve comfort. Use fever medicine only as directed on the product label or by a healthcare professional, taking the person’s age and other medicines into account. Do not give aspirin to children unless a clinician specifically advises it. Keep the person away from close contact while unwell, wash hands often, and avoid sharing cups, utensils, towels, or other personal items.

Arrange medical advice if fever is persistent, returns after improving, or occurs with worsening pain or a child who is unusually sleepy. Seek urgent help if the person cannot drink, is passing much less urine, has difficulty breathing, has a seizure, is difficult to wake, or develops a severe headache with a stiff neck. Babies, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone with a significant long-term condition may need earlier assessment. A clinician can check hydration, examine the rash and mouth, and consider other causes of fever.

You could ask whether the mouth and skin changes fit hand, foot and mouth disease, how to manage discomfort safely, how much fluid the person should try to take, and when they can return to school, nursery, or work. Mention when the fever began, how it has changed, any medicines already given, and whether drinking or urination has decreased.