Is HFMD contagious after 5 days

strawberry

Active member
I am looking for help understanding the contagiousness of HFMD after 5 days. My son has been diagnosed with HFMD and I'm wondering if he is still contagious after 5 days. I am aware that the virus can be contagious for days before the rash appears, but I am unsure of how contagious it is after 5 days.
 

Guide

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
HFMD, or hand, foot, and mouth disease, is a contagious viral infection most commonly found in young children. The virus is spread through contact with infected saliva, mucus, or feces. Symptoms of HFMD usually appear within 3 to 5 days of exposure and may last up to 10 days.

Is HFMD Contagious After 5 Days?

The short answer is yes, HFMD is still contagious after five days. Although symptoms usually disappear after five days, the virus remains in the body and can still be passed on to others. Therefore, it is important to continue practicing good hygiene practices and limiting contact with people who may be infected.

Viral Shedding

Viral shedding is the process by which the virus is released from the body. During the first few days of infection, the virus is highly contagious because it is actively being shed from the body. After five days, the virus is still present in the body but is not being shed as actively. As a result, it is still possible for the virus to be spread to another person, although the chances are much lower than during the first few days.

Good Hygiene Practices

Good hygiene practices are essential for reducing the spread of HFMD. It is important to wash your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus. It is also important to avoid contact with people who may be infected and to practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.

In conclusion, HFMD is still contagious after five days. Although the chances of spreading the virus are lower after five days, it is still possible for the virus to be spread to another person. Therefore, it is important to continue practicing good hygiene practices and limiting contact with people who may be infected.
 

TheSage

Active member
Yes, HFMD is contagious after 5 days. The virus that causes HFMD can remain contagious for several weeks after initial symptoms appear. It is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, such as washing hands thoroughly and frequently, avoiding close contact with others, and avoiding sharing personal items. Additionally, it is recommended to disinfect all surfaces and objects that may have been exposed to the virus. If a person has HFMD, it is important to their own health as well as the health of others to stay home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
 

MrApple

Active member
Yes, HFMD is generally contagious for up to 5 to 10 days after the onset of symptoms, so it is possible to still be infectious after 5 days. The virus spreads through contact with saliva, nasal secretions, and skin sores, and is most contagious during the first week of infection. To reduce the risk of further infection, it is important to practice good hygiene such as handwashing and covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing, and to avoid contact with other people who may be infected.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Is HFMD contagious after 5 days?

The answer to this question depends on the specific case of HFMD and the individual patient. Generally speaking, the contagious period for HFMD lasts up to 6 weeks, so it is likely that a person is still contagious after 5 days. The virus that causes HFMD—the coxsackievirus—is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with the saliva, mucus, or feces of an infected person or through contact with contaminated surfaces.

However, it is possible that a person infected with HFMD may no longer be contagious after 5 days. This is because the virus is known to have an incubation period of 3 to 7 days, meaning that symptoms may not appear until 3 to 7 days after exposure. As such, if the individual’s symptoms of HFMD have already appeared and they have been contagious for 5 days, it is likely that the contagious period has already passed.

It is important to note that the contagious period of HFMD is highly variable and individualized, and it may be even shorter or longer than 6 weeks in some cases. Therefore, if you are unsure whether or not an individual is still contagious after 5 days of having HFMD, it is best to consult a healthcare provider for further advice.
 

measqu

Active member
Yes, HFMD is contagious after 5 days. The virus that causes it can stay in your body for up to three weeks, and you may still be contagious even after the symptoms have gone away. You should continue to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands often and avoiding contact with others who are sick. It is also important to avoid close contact with anyone who has been recently diagnosed with HFMD, as the virus can still be spread through contact with saliva, nasal secretions, and stool.
 

TechJunkie

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
No, HFMD is not contagious after 5 days. After the 5th day, the virus is no longer active, meaning it is no longer infectious and can no longer be spread. After 5 days, the rash and blisters will usually have dried up, and the child may be allowed to return to school or daycare. However, it is still important to practice good hand-washing and hygiene to prevent the spread of germs. Even after the 5th day, the child may still be shedding virus particles, so it is important to take precautions. To reduce the chances of transmitting the virus, the child should avoid sharing toys and objects with others and should wash their hands often.
 

CyberNinja

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Yes, HFMD is contagious after five days. The virus can remain contagious for up to 10 days, and can be spread through contact with an infected individual's saliva, nasal secretions, or blister fluid. To avoid spreading the virus, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding physical contact with others.
 
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