[Miller11]

My two year old daughter has been running a fever at night for like 2 or 3 nights along with a cough. Her father and I are able to keep the fever down during the day but it spikes again at night. Well I took her to the emergency room yesterday because she wasn't feeling good and looked horrible. They told me that she has hand,foot and mouth disease which is a viral infection and I have no idea how she even got it. I was just wandering about how long does it take for the infection to clear up?

[Gemini54]

There is heaps of information on the internet about it:

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is generally a mild illness caused by the coxsackievirus. It is not a serious illness and has nothing to do with the animal disease called foot and mouth disease. It mainly occurs in children under 10 years of age but can also occur in older children and adults.

What are the symptoms?
The infection may cause no symptoms at all or only very mild symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they include blisters that start as small red dots which later become ulcers. Blisters appear inside the cheeks, gums, and on the sides of the tongue, as well as on the hands and feet. In infants, sometimes blisters can be seen in the nappy area. Blisters usually last for seven to 10 days.
Children can sometimes have a low fever, sore throat, tiredness, feel off colour and may be off their food for a day or two.

How is it spread?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually spread by person-to-person contact. The virus is spread from the faeces of an infected person to the mouth of the next person by contaminated hands. It is also spread by secretions from the mouth or respiratory system, and by direct contact with the fluid from blisters.
It usually takes between three and five days after contact with an infected person before blisters appear. The virus can remain in faeces for several weeks.

Who is at risk?
The viruses that cause hand, foot and mouth disease are common and adults including pregnant women are often exposed to them without symptoms. There is no clear evidence of risk to unborn babies from hand, foot and mouth disease. However, infected mothers can pass the infection onto newborn babies who rarely can have severe disease.
Outbreaks may occur in child care settings.

How can it be prevented?
Good hygiene is the best protection: wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses, and after changing nappies or soiled clothing.
Avoid sharing cups, eating utensils, items of personal hygiene (for example: towels, washers and toothbrushes), and clothing (especially shoes and socks).
Thoroughly wash any soiled clothing.
Ensure the mouth and nose are covered when coughing and sneezing.Wipe the nose and mouth with tissues, dispose of used tissues and then wash your hands.

How is it diagnosed?
The doctor can diagnose hand, foot and mouth disease based on the symptoms. Laboratory tests are not usually necessary.

How is it treated?
Usually no treatment is needed. Paracetamol will relieve fever and discomfort. Do not give children aspirin. If the headache is severe, or if fever persists, consult a doctor.

[danielnoahsmommy]

Be very careful it is contagious. So be aware how you are feeling as well.