Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infection caused by a virus. It can occur at any time of year but is most common in the summer and early fall.
The virus spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread through infected stool which can get on a person’s hands and can be spread to objects that others put in their mouths, causing infection. The virus is most contagious during the first week of illness. It can be found in a person’s stool for up to four weeks after the start of illness.
There is no specific treatment for this illness. Antibiotics will not work because it is caused by a virus and not bacteria. People usually recover within 7 to 10 days without treatment.
Avoid acidic drinks that can irritate sores (for example, orange and apple juice).
You can treat mild symptoms at home. Learn more about treating hand, foot and mouth disease at home.
