Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Contagious During the Incubation Period?

Question

Is hand, foot, and mouth disease contagious during the incubation period?

Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious illness with an incubation period of 3 to 4 days, particularly with stronger contagiousness in children during the onset of symptoms. Adults can also contract hand, foot, and mouth disease and may not show any obvious symptoms after infection. Therefore, timely symptomatic treatment should be sought for hand, foot, and mouth disease. If the condition is not severe, patients can simply drink plenty of water, adjust their diet, and consume easily digestible foods. If symptoms such as persistent fever occur, treatment should be sought as soon as possible.