Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) typically starts with the following early symptoms:
How Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Starts
- Initial Symptoms:
- Fever: Often the first sign, usually mild to moderate.
- Sore throat: A common early symptom.
- Feeling unwell: General malaise or fatigue.
- Development of Rash and Sores:
- Mouth sores: Painful red spots or ulcers appear inside the mouth, on the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks.
- Skin rash: Red spots or blisters develop on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks or genital area.
- Timing:
- Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after exposure to the virus (incubation period).
Cause and Transmission
- HFMD is caused by viruses from the Enterovirus genus, most commonly coxsackievirus A16.
- It spreads through close personal contact, respiratory droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces, or stool.
If you or your child develop these symptoms, it’s important to maintain good hygiene and consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and care. The disease is usually mild and resolves within 7 to 10 days.
