Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Again? A Doctor Dad's Guide to the HFMD Surge

Written by Dr. Sam Ahn, MD (Family Medicine Specialist, Medical Contents Director of MoDoc AI) | 2025-11-11

If you're reading this, you've probably received another HFMD notification from daycare. States including Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, and New Jersey report cases surging 4-5 times higher than last year. As both physician and parent, I've been on both sides of this exhausting cycle.

Why This Keeps Happening

Think of your child's immune system as a student learning new subjects. HFMD isn't one virus—it's multiple strains, meaning your child can catch it repeatedly like different colds. With kids back to full social interaction and new viruses circulating widely, this surge makes sense. It's just one of the 6-8 viral infections children normally get annually.

Recognizing HFMD

True HFMD follows a pattern: fever and sore throat first, then painful mouth ulcers that make eating miserable, followed by the telltale hand and foot rash a day or two later. This differs from chickenpox (chest/back rash) or Fifth Disease (slapped cheek). If sores are only in the throat, it's likely Herpangina.

Your Game Plan

Focus on comfort and containment. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Cool fluids help with hydration—yes, ice cream counts. Stick to soft foods like yogurt. Keep kids home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication. Prevention is simple but requires consistency: thorough handwashing, surface disinfection, and limiting close contact during outbreaks.

Seek immediate care for:

• No wet diaper for 6-8 hours, dry mouth, no tears

• Fever above 104°F or lasting 3+ days

• Mouth pain preventing any fluids

• Severe headache, neck stiffness, unusual drowsiness

• Your gut feeling something's wrong

The Bottom Line

Most children recover completely within seven to ten days. While watching your child suffer through HFMD is hard, you are doing everything right by keeping them comfortable and hydrated. Trust your instincts and know that you are equipped to handle this.

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Dr. Sam Ahn is a board-certified family medicine physician and medical advisor for MoDoc AI's FeverCoach. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.