What should you know about HFM fever?

Hand, foot and mouth illness is a viral infection. Fever may appear early, followed by painful spots or ulcers in the mouth and small red spots or blisters on the palms, soles, fingers, toes, or around the bottom. A child may also be tired, irritable, eat less, or drool because swallowing hurts. Fever reflects the body responding to infection; its presence does not by itself show how severe the illness will become.

Offer frequent sips of water, milk, or an oral rehydration drink, especially when mouth sores make larger drinks uncomfortable. Cool, soft foods may be easier than salty or acidic foods. Use a child-appropriate fever or pain medicine only as directed for the child’s age and weight, and check with a pharmacist if unsure. Keep the child home from close-contact activities while unwell, wash hands after nappy changes or toileting, and avoid sharing cups, cutlery, towels, or toothbrushes.

Arrange medical advice if fever is persistent, the child is drinking very little, passes much less urine, has a dry mouth, or seems unusually sleepy. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, confusion, a seizure, a stiff neck, severe headache, or a child who is difficult to wake. Medical review is also sensible when the rash becomes very painful, looks infected, or the diagnosis is uncertain.

Ask whether the mouth sores and rash fit hand, foot and mouth illness, how to judge hydration, which fever medicine is suitable, and when the child can return to nursery or school.