What Is Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease?
Often confused with foot and mouth disease, hoof and mouth disease, and mad cow disease—all of which predominantly affect animals—hand, foot, and mouth disease is a relatively mild viral illness that affects humans. Typically, the symptoms begin with fever and general malaise, followed by the development of painful sores on the mouth, throat, hands, buttocks, legs, and feet. The illness usually lasts for approximately one week. During that time, the underlying virus is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person’s saliva, mucus, or feces.
Can hand, foot, and mouth disease be prevented?
Presently, there is no vaccine available that provides protection against nonpolio enteroviruses, which cause hand, foot, and mouth disease. To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to:
- Wash hands thoroughly and often with soap and water
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Not share eating utensils, cups, water bottles, or cosmetics
- Avoid close contact with an infected person
How is hand, foot, and mouth disease treated?
In most cases, treatment is unnecessary for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Any associated discomfort can usually be managed with home remedies, such as:
- Drinking plenty of cool water and other fluids, which can help prevent dehydration and ease a sore throat
- Avoiding spicy foods and acidic beverages, such as salsa and orange juice, which can aggravate mouth sores
- Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever
When to see a doctor
Usually, hand, foot, and mouth disease results in only a few days of mild fever and manageable discomfort. However, it is important to see a medical professional if mouth or throat soreness interferes with swallowing, which can lead to dehydration, or if the symptoms persist for more than one week.
If you’re feeling unwell, the team at South Tampa Immediate Care can help. Contact or visit our urgent care clinic in Tampa, FL, today.
