hand, foot and mouth disease
the complete guide to the childcare exclusion period for hand, foot and mouth disease in Australia — how long to keep your child home, symptoms to watch for, and when they can return.
exclusion period
until all blisters have dried
symptoms
- •fever
- •sore throat
- •blisters on hands, feet, and inside the mouth
- •loss of appetite
- •feeling unwell
- •rash on buttocks or legs
incubation period
3-5 days
contagious period
most contagious during the first week of illness. the virus can be shed in faeces for weeks after symptoms resolve.
notes for parents
very common in childcare settings and usually mild. there is no specific treatment — manage symptoms with pain relief and fluids. blisters should not be deliberately burst.
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service and is not affiliated with any government department.