Question 1

What exactly is hand foot and mouth disease?

Accepted Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that causes painful sores in your mouth and a rash on your hands and feet. It's caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person, especially in young children. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 2

How does this virus spread from person to person?

Accepted Answer

This virus spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces they've touched and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. You can also catch it from contact with the fluid in the blisters. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 3

Can I catch it through food or water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can catch hand, foot, and mouth disease through contaminated food or water, though this is less common than spreading through droplets or direct contact. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 4

Why do some people get sicker than others with this illness?

Accepted Answer

Some people get sicker than others because of differences in their immune system strength and overall health. Young children and people with weaker immune systems tend to have more severe symptoms. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 5

Is there anything special about how children get sick with this?

Accepted Answer

Children get this illness the same way adults do, but they often get sicker because their immune systems are still developing. Young children also tend to put their hands in their mouths more, making spread easier in childcare settings. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 6

How can you tell if I have hand foot and mouth disease or something else?

Accepted Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease typically causes painful sores in your mouth, a rash on your palms and soles, and sometimes fever. A doctor can usually recognize it by looking at these symptoms and asking about recent exposure to sick people. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 7

Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, doctors can diagnose this illness just by examining you and hearing about your symptoms. Testing isn't usually needed unless your doctor wants to confirm the diagnosis. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 8

Can a blood test show if I have this virus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a blood test can show if you have antibodies to the virus, which means you've been infected. However, doctors don't always need this test since the diagnosis is usually clear from your symptoms. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 9

Will you take swabs from my throat or blisters for testing?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor might take a swab from your throat or the fluid in your blisters to test for the virus, but this is only done if needed to confirm the diagnosis. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 10

What other infections might look similar to this?

Accepted Answer

Other infections that look similar include chickenpox, herpes simplex, and other viral rashes. Your doctor can tell the difference by looking at where the sores are and what they look like. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 11

Is there a cure for hand foot and mouth disease?

Accepted Answer

There is no cure for hand, foot, and mouth disease because it's caused by a virus. Your body's immune system fights off the infection on its own, usually within 7-10 days. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 12

How can I make the sores in my mouth feel better?

Accepted Answer

You can rinse your mouth with salt water, eat soft or cold foods, and avoid spicy or acidic foods that irritate the sores. Pain relievers can also help make mouth pain more bearable. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 13

Will I need medicine to treat this virus?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific medicine to treat the virus itself, but your doctor may recommend pain relievers to help you feel more comfortable while your body fights off the infection. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 14

What should I do if I have trouble drinking fluids due to mouth pain?

Accepted Answer

Try drinking through a straw, eating popsicles or ice cream, or drinking cool liquids like milk or smoothies. If you can't drink enough fluids, contact your doctor because dehydration can be serious. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 15

Can you recommend ways to soothe the rash on my hands and feet?

Accepted Answer

Keep the rash clean and dry, wear loose clothing, and avoid scratching. Cool compresses or calamine lotion may help soothe the itching. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 16

What kind of medicines might I need for this illness?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain. There are no antiviral medicines that work against this virus. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 17

Are there any side effects from the medications you prescribe?

Accepted Answer

Over-the-counter pain relievers are generally safe when used as directed, but they can cause stomach upset or other side effects in some people. Always follow the dosage instructions on the package. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 18

Can I take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce fever and ease pain from the sores. Follow the dosage instructions based on your age and weight. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 19

Will antibiotics help me get better faster?

Accepted Answer

No, antibiotics don't help with hand, foot, and mouth disease because it's caused by a virus, not bacteria. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 20

Do these treatments have any long-term risks?

Accepted Answer

Over-the-counter pain relievers are safe for short-term use during this illness and don't cause long-term health risks when used as directed. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease