Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is contagious starting about 3 to 7 days before symptoms appear and is most contagious during the first week of illness when symptoms like fever, rash, and mouth sores are present. People can still spread the virus to others for weeks after recovery, sometimes for several weeks or even months, as the virus can remain in saliva and stool. Someone with HFMD is usually not contagious after they have fully recovered, which generally means they are fever-free for at least 24 hours, and all the blisters or sores have healed. However, the virus can still be shed in bodily fluids beyond the period of visible symptoms, so caution is advised. To summarize:
- Contagious period starts a few days before symptoms appear.
- Most contagious during the first week of illness.
- After symptoms resolve, the person may still shed virus and be contagious for several weeks.
- Considered not contagious when fever is gone, the person feels well, and blisters are completely healed.
Good hygiene measures like handwashing help reduce transmission during and after illness.