Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Treatment Clinic in Virginia

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is well known as a highly contagious viral infection that is most common in young children, but can also affect adults. The disease is caused by the Enterovirus, which spreads through any kind of contact with an infected person’s saliva, blisters, feces, or respiratory secretions.

The contagious period varies greatly depending on each individual’s immune system and the severity of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Typically, the disease is contagious for about a week to ten days after symptoms appear. During this period, the infected person can easily spread the virus to others through coughing, sneezing, or sharing contaminated objects.

However, it’s important to note that the virus can remain in the body for several weeks even after the symptoms have disappeared. As a result, an infected individual can continue to spread the disease unknowingly. It’s recommended that infected individuals avoid close contact with others and practice strict hygiene measures such as washing hands frequently, covering the mouth during coughs or sneezes, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces to minimize the risk of transmission.

In some severe cases, hand, foot, and mouth may cause health issues like dehydration, meningitis, or encephalitis. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you or someone you know has contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease typically progresses through several stages. The first stage is the incubation period, which lasts for about 3-7 days after exposure to the virus. During this time, the infected person is not yet symptomatic but can still spread the disease to others.

The second stage is the initial symptoms phase, which typically lasts for 2-3 days. During this phase, the infected person may experience a fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, and general malaise.

The third stage is the blister phase, which usually begins around days 3-7 of the illness. During this phase, the infected person may develop small, painful blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. These blisters may burst and form scabs, which can be itchy and uncomfortable.

The fourth stage is the recovery phase, which typically begins around days 7-10 of the illness. During this phase, the infected person’s fever and other symptoms begin to subside, and the blisters start to heal. However, as mentioned earlier, the virus can remain in the body for several weeks, meaning that the infected person is still able to spread the disease even after they have fully recovered.

It’s important to note that not everyone infected with the virus will experience all of these stages, and the severity of the symptoms can vary widely. Some individuals may encounter mild symptoms, while others could develop more severe complications. It’s recommended that infected individuals seek medical attention if they experience severe symptoms or complications. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Woodbridge VA, Falls Church VA, Pentagon City VA, Arlington VA, Kingstowne Center VA, Richmond Hwy Alexandria VA, and Alexandra VA.