Hand foot and mouth disease

8/13/14

It's true.  We have Hand foot and mouth disease in this house.  Caleb and Grace got fevers on Sunday.  That's how it began.  I've talked to my doc's office, other moms, other doc's offices, and done some research on the good ole' internet.  I'll tell you things I've learned, so you can be just as confused as I am.

1. Hand foot and mouth disease starts with a fever

2. Sometimes kids don't get fevers with it.

3. You are no longer contagious after your fever is gone EVEN if you still have spots on your body

4. You can be congagious for WEEKS after all your symptoms are gone.

5. Adults cannot get HFMD (that's the fancy shortening of it)

6. Adults can get HFMD

7. Adults cannot spread HFMD (since they can't get it)

8. Some adults can be carrying it without symptoms and pass the virus on.

Well, I'm feeling much better now.... NOT!  What am I supposed to do with information like that?!

Apparently my kids are no longer contagious but still are for weeks.....  I'm feeling REALLY confident.

Oh, and in case you're wondering about my kids, they no longer have fevers, Caleb is acting normal-- just has spots on his feet and hands.  They don't seem to bother him. Grace doesn't have spots(yet?!) but has a very poor appetite. It could be A LOT worse, so I'm thankful for this seemingly mild case.

Thanks for listening.  I may need therapy when they're better.... which could be now... or a few weeks. And maybe I'll get it, but probably not since I can't.

-Melanie