Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that is most commonly found in young children. Symptoms of HFMD include a fever, sore throat, and blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. The virus that causes HFMD can be spread through direct contact with saliva, mucus, stool, or blister fluid.
The length of time that someone with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is contagious depends on the type of virus causing the infection. Generally, a person with HFMD will be contagious from the time that symptoms appear until a few days after the blisters have healed. For some viruses, the contagious period may be as short as five days, while others may be contagious for up to two weeks.
It is important to practice good hygiene when dealing with a person who has HFMD. This includes washing hands frequently, avoiding contact with the blisters, and avoiding sharing utensils, cups, and towels with the infected person. It is also important to clean surfaces that may have been contaminated with the virus.
In addition, it is important to keep the infected person away from other people, especially those who are pregnant, those with weakened immune systems, and small children. This will help to prevent the spread of the virus to others who may be more at risk for serious complications.
In summary, the length of time that a person with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is contagious depends on the virus causing the infection. Generally, the contagious period is from the onset of symptoms until a few days after the blisters have healed. Good hygiene practices and avoiding contact with others who may be at risk can help to prevent the spread of the virus.