The virus spreads by touching or breathing
Herpangina and hand, foot and mouth disease are most common in the summer and early fall, however they can occur throughout the year.
A child with herpangina or hand, foot and mouth disease is most infectious during the first week of illness, but they can still spread the virus for several weeks after their symptoms have disappeared. It takes about three to six days after your child has been exposed to develop symptoms. During this time, a child can spread the virus without having any signs of being sick. The virus that causes herpangina and hand, foot and mouth disease is found in an infected person’s saliva and stool.
The virus spreads from person to person through sneezing or coughing. It can also survive on surfaces and objects, such as countertops and toys, long enough to spread to another person. Your child can also get infected if they touch the stool or fluid from the blisters of an infected person.
Many parents have questions about when their child can return to daycare after they have been sick with herpangina or hand, foot and mouth disease. It is important to keep your child away from daycare if they have a fever or are not well enough to participate in activities. Keeping children away from daycare does not prevent the spread of herpangina or hand, foot and mouth disease. Check with your child’s childcare centres about their policy about attendance when a child has herpangina or hand, foot and mouth disease.