Preventing hand, foot and mouth disease

It's not always possible to avoid getting hand, foot and mouth disease, but following the advice below can help stop the infection spreading.

  • Stay off work, school or nursery until you or your childare feeling better there's usually no need to wait until the last blister has healed, provided you're otherwise well.
  • Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often particularly after going to the toilet, coughing, sneezing or handling nappies, and before preparing food.
  • Avoid sharing cups,utensils, towels and clothes with people who are infected.
  • Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated it's best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.
  • Washany bedding or clothingthat could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018