AFC Urgent Care Can Diagnose Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease and Provide Treatment

AFC Urgent Care provides hand, foot, and mouth disease diagnosis and treatment at our facilities. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (also known as HFMD) is a viral infection that mainly affects children and manifests in various symptoms. Adults can also be afflicted with HFMD, although it is less common. It is generally not dangerous, but it is highly contagious and is known to spread very quickly through schools and daycares.

If you believe that you or your child has HFMD, you can find diagnosis and treatment at AFC Urgent Care!

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease or HFMD?

HFMD is a viral infection generally characterized by a rash with small red dots on a child's feet and hands and sores in their mouth. For younger children, it can often appear in the diaper area. This contagious viral infection can spread through coughing, sneezing, and saliva. Outbreaks are common in daycare and school settings where children or toddlers sit or play close to each other.

The symptoms can be unpleasant, but the virus is usually not a severe health concern. Being a viral infection, no antibiotic can "cure" HFMD, but other medications can help alleviate symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

The symptoms that appear with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease vary and depend on the severity of the infection. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Sore Throat
• Fever
• Rash or Blisters on hand and feet
• Loss of appetite
• Sores in the mouth

The first symptom is usually a fever, followed by sores on the cheek, gum, and tongue, and a rash on feet and hands a day or two later. The sores in the mouth can become painful and make it difficult to swallow. With that in mind, dehydration can be a concern for children under 3.

Children and adults can also become infected but show no symptoms at all. The lack of symptoms, however, does not mean the virus is less contagious. If a family member, friend, or classmate is suspected of having HFMD, a thorough examination by a medical professional is needed to ensure you have also not caught the virus. Providers may take samples of sores or red spots for further analysis, as other, more severe infections can cause red spots as symptoms.

What is the treatment for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Being a viral infection, antibiotics will not help treat hand, foot, and mouth diseases. Fortunately, those with an uncompromised immune system should be able to fight off the virus and see a fever and rash go away after seven to ten days. However, AFC Urgent Care can also provide additional treatment guidance once they have diagnosed someone with HFMD. Some common advice will include:

• Over-the-counter or prescribed medication to relieve fever and pain. Our providers will review the best medicine for you or a child.
• Our providers may review any medication assigned to children to relieve mouth pain. The side effects of this medication and difficulty with application often require caution.
• Keeping hydrated. (Maybe with popsicles that will also soothe a sore mouth)
• Get plenty of rest.

What are some tips to prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Like preventing other viral infections, like the flu, simple hygiene activities can significantly increase the chance of someone not contracting HFMD. These activities include:

• Wash Your Hands - Thoroughly washing your hands and the hands of a child regularly can significantly reduce the chances of infection. Try to establish a habit of washing one's hands after eating, drinking, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are unavailable, a hand sanitizer with a 60% alcohol content will also work.
• Disinfect - If HFMD is confirmed in a child or a school, increase the frequency of cleaning: Disinfect toys, bathrooms, play areas, and workspaces.
• Avoid Contact - If someone has been diagnosed with HFMD, avoid hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils or food. If you or a child has HFMD, have them remain at home and isolated from people until the fever is gone and at least seven days to prevent the spread of the virus.

Do I need an appointment at AFC Urgent Care to be checked out or treated for HFMD?

No appointment is needed to be seen and evaluated by one of our providers at AFC Urgent Care Centers. However, if you suspect you may be infected with Hand, Food, and Mouth Disease, we do ask that you please wear a mask when entering our location. This is to prevent infecting other patients and staff members. Please also inform the front desk that you believe you may be infected. In some circumstances, we may move you to a room to wait to be evaluated by a provider.

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