Babies get hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) primarily through contact with the viruses that cause the illness, most commonly coxsackievirus. The disease spreads mainly by:
- Contact with respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
- Touching saliva, mucus, fluid from blisters, or stool of someone infected.
- Direct contact with contaminated surfaces, toys, or objects, followed by touching the mouth, eyes, or nose.
- Poor hygiene, such as unwashed hands in childcare settings, diaper changes, or contaminated food.
Babies, especially those in group care environments, are particularly vulnerable due to behaviors like putting their hands in their mouths and needing help with hygiene. The virus can spread even before symptoms appear and can remain in stool for weeks after symptoms resolve, making it highly contagious.
