Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease  - Prevention

Infection is spread by coughing and sneezing, or through direct contact with nose and throat secretions or feces (stool).

A person can pass the infection to others as long as the illness lasts and the blister-like sores are present; however, the virus can continue to be shed in stool (feces) for several weeks after the illness.

Excluding the child with hand-foot-and-mouth disease from school or day care is NOT necessary.

Teach children to cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing, and to wash their hands afterwards.

Dispose of tissues soiled with nose and throat discharges.

WASH HANDS immediately after contact with articles (tissues, etc.) soiled with throat or nose discharges and after going to the bathroom.

Prevention Recommendations

• Exclusion from school or day care is NOT necessary.
• Teach children to cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing.
• Dispose of soiled tissues.
• Wash hands immediately after contact with infected person or soiled tissues.