How long should a child stay home with hand, foot and mouth disease?
Short answer
A child with hand, foot and mouth disease should stay home while unwell or feverish and return when well enough for normal activities.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- Return guide
- When feverishness has settled and normal activities are manageable
- Check first
- Nursery or school attendance policy
Why isolation is practical
The illness can spread through saliva, coughs, blister fluid and stool. A child who is drooling because of mouth sores, too tired to join activities, or unable to drink comfortably needs rest and care at home. A completely healed rash is not always required, but nursery or school policies may set additional rules.
Care at home
Ask the setting about its return policy before sending your child back. Wash hands after nappies and toileting, clean shared toys, and do not share cups, utensils, towels or toothbrushes. Launder soiled clothing and bedding. Offer fluids regularly and check that the child is urinating.
When to seek care
Get medical advice if fever continues, the child is not drinking well, or you need help deciding about attendance. Seek urgent care for breathing trouble, a seizure, severe drowsiness, rapidly worsening symptoms, or very little urine.
What to ask
Ask when your child is fit for group activities, which cleaning steps are worthwhile, and how long to take extra care with handwashing after toileting.
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Must all blisters disappear before return?
Not always. Fitness for normal activities and local setting rules are usually more useful guides than the appearance of every spot.
Should siblings stay home too?
Healthy siblings generally need not stay home solely because of contact, but careful hygiene and monitoring are sensible.
Related
Related reading
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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.