Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a human syndrome caused by intestinal viruses of the picornaviridae family: coxsackie A virus and enterovirus 71 (EV-71).

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease usually affects infants and children under age 10. But it is less common in adults.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is contagious and is spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or feces of an infected person.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease typically occurs in small epidemics in nursery schools or kindergartens (during the summer and autumn).

- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Referred ear pain
- Sore throat
- Painful oral, nasal, or facial lesions, ulcers or blisters
- Body rash
- Blisters on the buttocks of small children and infants
- Irritability in infants and toddlers
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea

The common incubation period (infection and the development of symptoms) is about 3 - 7 days.

There is no specific treatment for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.

Individual symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease such as fever and pain from the sores may be eased with the use of analgesics.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral disease that has to run its course. Many doctors do not prescribe medicine for this illness.

Infection of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in older children, adolescents, and adults is typically mild and lasts about 1 week. Fever reducers and lukewarm baths can help bring temperature down.