What should you know about viral hand, foot and mouth disease?

It commonly affects young children, although older children and adults can also catch it. The illness spreads through saliva, mucus, stool and fluid from blisters, especially in close-contact settings. A sore mouth may make eating and drinking uncomfortable. The rash can appear on the palms, soles, fingers, toes or around the bottom, and not every child has every feature. The illness is different from foot-and-mouth disease in animals.

Offer frequent small drinks and soft, cool foods if mouth sores hurt. Use age-appropriate fever or pain medicine only as directed, and never give aspirin to a child unless a clinician specifically advises it. Wash hands after nappy changes or toilet use, clean shared surfaces, and avoid sharing cups, cutlery or towels. Keep the child away from nursery or school while feverish or too unwell to participate, following local guidance.

Arrange a child health consultation if the child is drinking poorly, urinating much less, has a dry mouth, remains unusually sleepy, develops persistent fever, or has worsening pain. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, a seizure, confusion, severe headache with a stiff neck, or signs of significant dehydration. Babies, children with weakened immunity and children who are deteriorating need prompt assessment.

Ask how to manage mouth pain, how much fluid is appropriate, when the child can return to childcare, and which changes should prompt an urgent child health consultation.