Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease is highly contagious.
The HSE is urging parents to keep children with Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease out of school and other childcare facilities.
Parents have been told to beware of the symptoms of the disease, which is highly contagious.
The HSE tweeted, “Hand Foot, and Mouth is a common childhood illness that can also affect adults. It is highly contagious.”
Most adults are immune, but they can still be affected.
The illness tends to clear up within 7 to 10 days, but it is extremely contagious. It is important to keep children out of school or creche if they’re infectious as the illness can spread rapidly in these settings.
#HandFootAndMouth is a common childhood illness that can also affect adults. It is highly contagious. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of hand, foot and mouth: https://t.co/g3a5ywi6ds pic.twitter.com/JiQzInM9MM
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) February 18, 2023
The first symptoms that will appear are a sore throat, a fever, and a lack of appetite.
Your child will then develop a rash, as well as mouth ulcers.
They will also likely have red spots, which then turn into blisters, on their hands and feet.
Children can suffer from Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease multiple times, but it is not usually as bad as the first infection.
Most children can be treated at home. Keeping them hydrated is essential. You can also give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease fevers.
If they’re old enough then you can also give them salty water to rinse out their mouth. This can help treat the blisters and ease some discomfort.
