Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

What Is HFMD — And Who Can Get It?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a common, usually mild viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and a rash—often with blisters—on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks or other areas. The illness typically resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days 

Most likely to be affected: Children under age 5, but older kids and adults can also get it, especially if they've never been exposed or their immunity has waned 

Signs & Stages of HFMD

HFMD generally unfolds in three stages 

1. Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, sore throat, loss of appetite).
2. Mouth sores, which are painful and can hinder eating and drinking.
3. Skin rash, usually featuring red spots that may develop into blisters on the hands, feet, and other areas.

Some people—especially adults—may have mild or even no symptoms but can still spread the virus

Preventing HFMD: Simple & Effective Measures

Though there’s no vaccine available in the U.S., prevention is highly achievable with these practices:

• Frequent handwashing: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds—especially after diaper changes, using the toilet, before meals, and after contact with a sick child 
• Disinfect surfaces and toys: Clean frequently touched items using soap and water followed by a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or other effective disinfectant 
• Avoid close contact: Keep children with symptoms home from childcare or school until they are fever-free and blisters have dried fully 
• Teach good hygiene habits: Encourage children not to touch their faces, to cover coughs and sneezes properly, and to avoid sharing utensils or cups 

Managing HFMD When It Happens: Stay Calm, Keep Comfortable

HFMD is usually self-limiting. Here’s how to help ease symptoms at home:

• Ease fever and pain with age-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen—never aspirin 
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Offer cold drinks, popsicles, milk, Pedialyte, or soft soothing foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes, oatmeal 
• Soothe mouth pain:
  • Children over 4 may gargle warm, salted water.
  • Under provider guidance, use pain-relief mouth sprays—avoid benzocaine for kids under 2 and lozenges for under 4 
• Let blisters heal naturally—avoid picking to prevent infection 
• Watch for dehydration signs: dry mouth, no tears, dark urine, sunken eyes, fewer wet diapers

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Reach out for medical advice or care if:

• Your child is under 6 months, or has a weakened immune system
• Fever lasts longer than 3 days or is over 102 °F
• Your child is refusing fluids or not peeing, or showing severe lethargy, neck pain, seizures, or other concerning symptoms
• Symptoms don’t improve after 10 days 

Also, ensure they’re fully recovered before returning to daycare or school—ideally once fever-free, comfortable, and blisters are dried and healing 

Local Spokane Resources: Where to Turn for Help

If HFMD concerns arise, here are local resources ready to support Spokane parents:

• Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) – Offers reliable info, a downloadable HFMD fact sheet, and general guidance. Contact Disease Prevention & Response at 509‑324‑1442 (SRHD).
• Centennial Pediatrics – Located at 3010 S Southeast Blvd, Suite A, Spokane, WA 99223. Call 509‑352‑3777 for advice or appointments (Centennial Pediatrics).
• Pediatric Urgent Care Clinics – Several are available across town when you need quick access:
  • MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care (multiple locations)
  • Spokane Pediatric Urgent Care
  • Concentra Urgent Care
• These accept children, offer extended hours, and are well-reviewed by local parents (Solv).

HFMD can be uncomfortable and inconvenient—but with informed care, vigilance, and support from Spokane’s health network, most children recover fully without complications. Parents can empower themselves through preventive steps, careful home management, and knowing when—and where—to reach out for help.