How Long Does Hand Foot And Mouth Live On Surfaces

March 6, 2023 Alex T. Uncategorized 0

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?
  3. How Long Does Hand Foot and Mouth Live on Surfaces?
  4. How to Prevent Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?
  5. Conclusion

Introduction

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a contagious illness caused by a virus that affects the skin, mouth, and throat. It is most common in children under the age of five, but can also affect adults. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and a rash on the hands, feet, and mouth. The disease is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person or through contact with contaminated surfaces. In this article, we will discuss how long HFMD can live on surfaces and how to prevent it.

What is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a contagious illness caused by a virus, usually the Coxsackievirus A16. It is most common in children under the age of five, but can also affect adults. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and a rash on the hands, feet, and mouth. The rash is usually red or pink and may have blisters. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, fatigue, and irritability.

The virus that causes HFMD is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person or through contact with contaminated surfaces. It can also be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

How Long Does Hand Foot and Mouth Live on Surfaces?

The virus that causes HFMD can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. It can survive on hard surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, and toys. It can also survive on soft surfaces such as clothing, bedding, and carpets.

The virus is most contagious when it is in its active stage, which is usually within the first week of infection. After this period, the virus is less likely to be spread.

How to Prevent Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?

The best way to prevent HFMD is to practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands often with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

It is also important to clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus. This includes countertops, doorknobs, toys, and other surfaces that may have been touched by an infected person.

It is also important to keep children with HFMD away from other children and adults until they have recovered.

Conclusion

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a contagious illness caused by a virus. It is most common in children under the age of five, but can also affect adults. The virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours and is most contagious when it is in its active stage. The best way to prevent HFMD is to practice good hygiene and to clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus.

Sources:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html

  2. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Hand-foot-and-mouth Disease. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20355854