08/15/2026
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
* Cause: Enteroviruses, commonly coxsackieviruses.
* Typical symptoms: Fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and a rash or small blisters on the hands and feet; the rash can also occur elsewhere.
* How it spreads: Through respiratory secretions, saliva, blister fluid, and stool, making daycare and school settings common places for transmission.
* Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for uncomplicated HFMD. Treatment is mainly supportive—fluids, rest, and appropriate fever/pain relief.
* Most children recover: Usually within about 7–10 days.
Herpangina
* Cause: Also caused by enteroviruses.
* Typical symptoms: Sudden fever, sore throat, and small painful sores toward the back of the mouth/throat. Unlike HFMD, the characteristic hand and foot rash is generally absent.
* Treatment: Supportive care, with particular attention to keeping the child well hydrated.
🚩 When should parents call the pediatrician?
Seek medical advice if a child is not drinking well, is urinating much less than usual, has persistent or worsening fever, seems unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, has significant worsening symptoms, or you are concerned about dehydration.
The most important prevention steps: frequent handwashing, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, avoiding sharing cups/utensils, and keeping children home when they are too sick to participate normally.