How long is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?

Spread can occur through droplets from coughs or sneezes, saliva, fluid from blisters, and contact with contaminated hands or surfaces. A child may pass the infection before the rash is obvious. Fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands or feet often appear together, but symptoms vary.

Once a child feels better and fever has settled, the immediate risk generally falls. Stool can still contain virus after recovery, so careful hand hygiene remains useful after toileting or changing nappies.

Wash hands with soap and water after wiping a nose, touching blisters, using the toilet, or changing nappies. Do not share cups, cutlery, towels, toothbrushes, or pacifiers. Clean frequently touched surfaces and wash soiled clothing and bedding. Keep the child home while unwell and follow the nursery or school’s return advice.

Arrange a child health assessment if fever persists, mouth pain prevents drinking, urination becomes less frequent, or the child is unusually sleepy. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, confusion, a seizure, or signs of severe dehydration such as a very dry mouth and no tears.

Ask when your child can safely return to nursery, whether the mouth sores need specific pain relief, and how long extra handwashing precautions should continue.