Hand foot and mouth virus no fever

It spreads quickly at schools and day care centers. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease also called hoof-and-mouth disease , which affects cows, sheep, and pigs. Visit the National Agricultural Library of the U. Department of Agriculture to learn more about Foot-and-Mouth Disease external icon. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

The virus is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, blisters and feces of infected people. Symptoms of fever, poor appetite, runny nose and sore throat can appear three to five days after exposure.

A blister-like rash on the hands, feet and in the mouth usually develops one to two days after the initial symptoms. A person is contagious when the first symptoms appear and may continue until the blister-like skin lesions disappear. The virus has been known to be shed in the stool for up to several weeks.

The diagnosis is generally suspected on the appearance of blister-like rash on hands and feet and mouth in a child with a mild febrile illness. Although specific viral tests are available to confirm the diagnosis, they are rarely performed due to expense and length of time needed to complete the tests.

Specific immunity can occur, but a second episode is possible from a different strain of Coxsackie virus. There is no specific treatment. Treatment is aimed at fever control and maintaining good oral hydration. The illness is typically mild, complications are rare. Do NOT give aspirin or products that contain aspirin. If your child is over one year old, give lots of liquids, such as water, milk, apple juice, and popsicles.

Avoid fruit juices that are high in acid, like cranberry juice, orange juice or lemonade. They may irritate the mouth sores Picture 1. If your child is under one year old , continue to give either breastmilk, formula, or both. Offer soft foods that are easy to swallow, like applesauce, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or eggs. Your child may not want to eat much if it hurts to swallow.

To soothe a sore throat: For children over age 1, give warm fluids such as chicken broth or apple juice. For children over 4 years, use throat lozenges or sprays. None should contain benzocaine, which can be harmful to children.

Or, rinse the mouth after meals with 1 teaspoon of a liquid antacid that does not contain aspirin. Swish and gargle the mixture 2 to 3 times a day, as needed. Do not let your child swallow the salt water; have him spit it out. To prevent spreading HFMD: Teach your child not to touch the rash, avoid putting his fingers or toys in his mouth, and not rub his eyes.