A child exposed to hand, foot and mouth disease by contact with mouth and nose secretions through coughing and sneezing. The virus is also found in bowel movements. As a result, it is important to use good handwashing after toilet use or when changing diapers of an infected child. The virus also can be found in contaminated food and water. The symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease occur within two to five days after exposure.
Symptoms usually last less that two weeks.
The child is considered contagious during the illness when blisters and sores are present and, possibly, for several weeks after the illness. This prolonged contagious period is due to the virus being able to remain in bowel movements for weeks after the illness. Because hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective. The main focus should be to make the child comfortable with non-aspirin pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The child should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids.