Preventing the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease

Public Health England does not recommend that children be kept away from school/nursery/childcare for any period of time. (1) There is no need to isolate a child with HFMD and it is not notifiable.

General measures should include:

• avoiding direct contact with an infected person e.g. - kissing, hugging, sharing cups and eating utensils (2)
• when coughing or sneezing, mouth and nose should be covered and wiped with a disposable tissue and then washing hands properly (2)
• wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet, after nappy change and especially before eating (2)
• objects contaminated with respiratory secretions and faeces (e.g. - handkerchiefs, tissues, nappies etc) should be disposed safely
• soiled clothes, bedding and towels should be washed thoroughly (on the "hot cycle" of the washing machine) (2)

References:

1. Guidance on infection control in schools and other childcare settings. UK Health Security Agency (September 2017 - last updated February 2023)
2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2024. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases - Division of Viral Diseases. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)