Hand, foot and mouth disease: how long before symptoms appear?

The illness is caused by enteroviruses and may begin with fever, tiredness, reduced appetite or a sore throat. Mouth sores and a rash on the hands, feet, or other areas can follow. A person may spread the virus before the typical rash is easy to recognise, so a known contact does not always lead to symptoms at the same time.

Watch for changes in temperature, drinking, urination, energy and mouth discomfort. Offer frequent fluids and soft foods if swallowing hurts. Wash hands after toileting or changing nappies, avoid sharing cups and utensils, and clean commonly touched surfaces. Keep a child home while they feel unwell and follow the advice of the school or nursery.

Arrange a child health assessment if symptoms are difficult to interpret, the child cannot drink comfortably, or fever persists or returns. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness, a seizure, signs of dehydration such as very little urine, or a child who is becoming rapidly worse.

Ask whether the timing fits a recent exposure, how to manage mouth pain safely, and when your child can return to normal activities.