From the Guidelines
Children with HFMD should stay home from school until they are no longer contagious, which is typically around 5-7 days from symptom onset, or until all blisters have dried up and fever has resolved. When considering the management of HFMD, it's essential to prioritize the prevention of transmission to others, particularly in a school setting. Although the provided evidence 1 discusses the management of tinea capitis, it highlights the impracticality of excluding children from school due to the potential risk of transmission, suggesting that appropriate treatment and hygiene practices can minimize this risk. In the context of HFMD, the key factors to consider are:
- The contagious period, which is usually the first week of illness
- The presence of fever and open sores, which increase the risk of transmission
- The importance of good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and avoiding sharing utensils, to prevent transmission to others Given the lack of specific evidence on HFMD in the provided studies, we must rely on general principles of infectious disease management and consider the potential consequences of transmission in a school setting. Key considerations for parents and caregivers include:
- Managing fever and pain with medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Keeping children hydrated, despite the discomfort of mouth sores
- Consulting with the child's school about specific return policies and guidelines Ultimately, the decision to return to school should be based on the child's individual condition and the school's policies, with a focus on minimizing the risk of transmission to others.
From the Research
Duration of School Absence for HFMD
- The duration of school absence for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the duration of the illness can be used as a guideline.
- According to 2, symptoms of HFMD usually last less than 1 week.
- 3 states that lesions usually resolve in seven to 10 days.
- 4 also mentions that the disease usually resolves in 7 to 10 days without sequelae.
Management and Prevention of HFMD
- Treatment for HFMD is mainly symptomatic and supportive, with a focus on hydration and pain relief 3, 4.
- Good personal hygiene, such as handwashing and disinfecting potentially contaminated surfaces, is important in preventing the spread of HFMD 3.
- Vaccination of susceptible individuals in high-risk areas is also a preventative measure 4.