foot and mouth disease

Key facts Hand, foot and mouth disease is a very contagious and common viral illness that mainly affects children under 10 years old. The main symptoms are blisters in and around your child’s mouth, on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet. Your child may also have a fever and a sore throat and mouth. The virus spreads through contact with the fluid inside the blisters, as well as via faeces (poo), coughs and sneezes. Treat symptoms with paracetamol and rest, and by staying hydrated. What is hand, foot and mouth disease? Hand, foot and mouth disease