What is hand foot and mouth disease?
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, abbreviated as HFMD or HFM is a common short-lasting infection caused by a group of viruses from the Enterovirus genus, called coxsackie viruses. HFMD is mostly characterized by blisters or sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. This medical condition, also medically called enteroviral vesicular stomatitis, can affect people of all ages, but it usually occurs in kids under 5 years old
It is commonly confused with foot-and-mouth disease, which is a different condition affecting only animals, being caused by a different type of virus.
Because the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth illness disappear in about a week, living with it is a temporary problem. Your key goal as a parent caring for a child infected with the virus are to keep your child comfortable and hydrated. It's best to keep them at home so they can rest and prevent infecting others.