Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease is a highly contagious infection characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It is caused most commonly by the coxsackievirus. It can be painful, but it isn’t serious. Anyone can have the disease, but children under age 5 are most likely to get it. It tends to spread easily in the summer and fall. The symptoms begin to develop three to seven days after the initial infection. This period is known as the incubation period. When symptoms appear, they may include: a fever, poor appetite, sore throat, headache, irritability, painful red blisters in the mouth, and/or red rash on the hands and the soles of the feet. A fever and sore throat are usually the first symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease. The characteristic blisters and rashes show up usually one or two days after the fever begins. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.