How it Spreads |
- People are usually most contagious during the first week that they are sick. However, people can still sometimes spread the virus to others for days or weeks after symptoms go away, or even if they have no symptoms at all.
- The virus can be found in a sick person's saliva, drool, nasal mucus, fluid from blisters, and stool.
- It can be spread through:
- contact with droplets that contain the virus when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks
- kissing, hugging, or sharing cups/eating utensils with an infected person
- touching an infected person's stool when changing their diaper then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them, such as doorknobs or toys, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
|
Signs and Symptoms |
- Symptoms usually start 3 to 6 days after exposure to the virus.
- Initial symptoms can include fever, feeling unwell, sore throat, and eating or drinking less than usual.
- Mouth sores that usually start as small red spots, often on the tongue and insides of the mouth, that blister and can become painful. Signs of pain can include not eating or drinking, drooling more than usual, or only wanting to drink cold fluids.
- A skin rash that is commonly found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also show up on the buttocks, legs, and arms. The rash is usually not itchy and looks like flat or slightly raised red spots, sometimes with blisters that have an area of redness at their base.
- Most children have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days.
- Some infected people may have no symptoms at all.
|
Prevention |
- Wash hands often for at least 15 to 20 seconds:
- after changing diapers
- after using the toilet
- after handling items soiled with stool or saliva
- after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- before/after caring for someone who is sick
- before eating or making meals
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Keep blisters clean and avoid touching them.
- Teach and help children to wash their hands and avoid toughing the blisters.
- Avoid sharing of toys between children who are likely to place toys in their mouth.
- Avoid close contact with infected people (e.g., hugging, kissing).
- Do not share eating and drinking utensils.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and shared items, such as toys and doorknobs, as well as change tables and pads after each diaper change.
|
Treatment |
There is no specific medical treatment. Most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns. |
|
No exclusion necessary, unless too ill to participate in activities or has a fever with behavioural change.
For schools and childcare centres, exclusion will not reduce spread because some children may shed the virus without being symptomatic and other children who became ill may shed the virus for weeks in their stool.
Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers and food handlers. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace.
|