Is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?

The viruses can pass when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, or when someone touches fluid from blisters, saliva, nasal mucus or stool and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes. Young children often spread it through shared toys, cups and hands. A person may be contagious before the illness is obvious, so avoiding every exposure is difficult.

The illness commonly causes fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers and a rash or blisters on the hands and feet. A [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) can be part of the illness, but its presence does not by itself establish the diagnosis.

Wash hands carefully with soap and water after changing nappies, using the toilet, wiping a nose or touching blisters. Clean toys, bathroom surfaces and frequently handled objects. Do not share cups, cutlery, towels or toothbrushes, and wash soiled clothing and bedding.

Encourage rest and regular fluids. Keep the child home while they are unwell and check nursery or school advice before return. A [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) can help if symptoms are difficult to manage or the diagnosis is uncertain.

Arrange medical advice if the child cannot drink because of mouth sores, is passing much less urine, has a dry mouth, has no tears when crying or is unusually sleepy. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, a seizure, severe drowsiness or a rapidly worsening condition.

Ask for assessment if fever continues, the child is very young, symptoms are severe, or the rash looks unusual. Do not rely on contagiousness alone to judge severity: hydration, alertness and breathing are more useful signs.

Ask which symptoms support the diagnosis, how to protect siblings, how long the child should stay away from nursery or school, which fluids and medicines are suitable, and which changes require urgent care.