Symptoms of fever, poor appetite, runny nose, and sore throat can appear three to five days after the person becomes infected. One or 2 days after the fever begins, the rash appears as blisters or ulcers in the mouth, on the inner cheeks, gums, sides of the tongue, and as bumps or blisters on the hands, feet, and, sometimes, other parts of the skin. The skin rash may last for 7 to 10 days.

Usually not. HFMD caused by coxsackievirus A16 infection is a mild disease and nearly all patients recover without medical treatment in 7 to 10 days. Complications are uncommon. Rarely, the patient with coxsackievirus A16 infection may also develop "aseptic" or viral meningitis, in which the person has fever, headache, stiff neck, or back pain, and may need to be hospitalized for a few days. See similar questions...

HFMD is moderately contagious. The spread of the disease can occur through direct contact with nasal discharge, saliva, feces, and fluid from the blisters. It can also spread indirectly through contact with toys, books, eating utensils, towels, and other articles used by an infected individual. The infection is spread most easily when people are feeling ill and sores are present in the mouth, but the virus can be spread for several weeks after that. See similar questions...

Preventive measures include frequent handwashing, especially after diaper changes; disinfection of contaminated surfaces by household cleaners (such as diluted bleach solution made by mixing 1 capful of chlorine bleach with 1 gallon water); and, washing soiled articles of clothing. See similar questions...

Children are often excluded from childcare programs, schools, or other group settings during the first few days of the illness. See similar questions...

Usually, the physician can distinguish between HFMD and other causes of mouth sores based on the age of the patient, the pattern of symptoms, and the appearance of the rash and sores on examination. A throat swab or stool specimen may be sent to a laboratory to determine which virus caused the illness; however, these tests usually take 2 to 4 weeks to obtain a final answer, so the physician usually does not order them. See similar questions...

There is currently no effective treatment for the infection, and, in most cases, specific treatment is not necessary. The fever, rash, and ulcers should subside spontaneously in one week, and full recovery is usual. Treatment of symptoms is given to provide relief from fever, aches, or pain from the ulcers. Antiseptic mouth washes and simple analgesics such as paracetamol relieve the discomfort of eating. See similar questions...

If you have stress incontinence, you may leak a small to medium amount of urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, exercise, or do similar things. If you have urge incontinence, you may feel a sudden urge to urinate and the need to urinate often. With this type of bladder control problem, you may leak a larger amount of urine that can soak your clothes or run down your legs. See similar questions...