08/12/2026
🖐️🦶👄 Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease: What Parents Need to Know!
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common and highly contagious viral illness, especially among infants and young children. While those little red spots and painful mouth sores can look concerning, the good news is that most children recover on their own within 7–10 days. 💚
Keep an eye out for:
• Fever and sore throat
• Painful mouth sores
• Red spots or blisters on the hands and feet
• Decreased appetite
• Fussiness or irritability
💧 Hydration is especially important! Offer plenty of fluids, cool soft foods, lots of rest, and extra snuggles.
HFMD spreads easily through respiratory droplets, contact with stool, blister fluid, and contaminated surfaces—so good handwashing and cleaning frequently touched toys and surfaces can make a big difference. 🧼
☎️ Contact your pediatrician if your child is showing signs of dehydration, has a fever lasting more than 3 days, seems unusually sleepy or irritable, or if symptoms are getting worse instead of better.
As always, the team at Advocare Birchwood Pediatrics is here to help keep your little ones happy and healthy! 💙💚