Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Prevention

Your child is most contagious in the first 7 days of the illness. But the virus can stay in their body for days or weeks and spread through their spit or poop. Take these steps to lower the chance of infection:

• Wash your hands carefully, especially after changing a diaper or wiping a child’s nose. Help children keep their hands clean.
• Teach kids to cover their mouth and nose when they sneeze or cough. A tissue is best, but the sleeve of their shirt also works.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and shared items like toys and doorknobs.
• Don’t hug or kiss someone who has hand, foot, and mouth disease. Don’t share cups or utensils with them.
• Don’t send your child to school or day care until their symptoms are gone. Check with your doctor if you think they might still be contagious.