Exclusion Policy for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

[SSWonders]

Three of my four kids scheduled for Monday have Hand, Foot and Mouth disease. One doctor has said to keep away from other kids for 4 days. The second hasn't been to her doc yet. The third's doc said it's up to the daycare.

So, how long do I exclude? It can technically be contagious for weeks even though there are no longer any symptoms.

[Unregistered]

Three of my four kids scheduled for Monday have Hand, Foot and Mouth disease. One doctor has said to keep away from other kids for 4 days. The second hasn't been to her doc yet. The third's doc said it's up to the daycare.

So, how long do I exclude? It can technically be contagious for weeks even though there are no longer any symptoms.

I had just one case a while back. Doctor said child could attend (even though she had a fever just the day before). I said NO. Child could attend once fever is gone for 24 hours without meds AND blisters are scabbed over AND child can eat normally. (Mouth sores - ouch!)

Child ended up being out for the rest of the week.

[Blackcat31]

Three of my four kids scheduled for Monday have Hand, Foot and Mouth disease. One doctor has said to keep away from other kids for 4 days. The second hasn't been to her doc yet. The third's doc said it's up to the daycare.

So, how long do I exclude? It can technically be contagious for weeks even though there are no longer any symptoms.

Provider Sheet

http://www.hennepin.us/~/media/hennepinus/residents/health-medical/documents/1340-s6-hand-foot.pdf

Parent Sheet

http://www.hennepin.us/~/media/hennepinus/residents/health-medical/documents/1345-hand-foot-parent.pdf

Exclusion Period: Yes, until fever is gone and child is healthy enough for routine activities. Sores or a rash may still be present.

Contagious Period: During the first week of illness and possibly for several weeks after illness. Virus may be shed for several weeks in stool. Infected persons who may not seem sick are able to spread the virus.

[TwinKristi]

I would exclude until fever is gone, sores are healing and scabbed and child is well enough to attend without meds for discomfort.