Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in 6-Year-Olds: Don't Miss the Incubation Period, Warning Signs, and Early Signs

These days, if you look at group chats in daycare centers and kindergartens, you can see the phrase “I’m absent because of hand, foot, and volleyball” popping up almost every day.

My child is 6 years old this year, and last week he developed symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, and suffered for over a week. ㅜㅜ
Especially this year, the rate of transmission is so fast that it often progresses quickly from the incubation period.

 

 

- See the progress of the aquatic sports at a glance

division	period	Characteristic symptoms	Possibility of transmission
Incubation period	3 to 7 days after infection	Almost no symptoms. Mild fever, fatigue, loss of appetite.	There is
Prodromal symptoms	1-2 days after the incubation period	Fever (around 38 degrees Celsius), swelling of the throat and tonsils, faint rash	There is
Early symptoms	Within a day after the warning	Rash and blisters on hands, feet, and mouth, high fever (38-39 degrees Celsius), fussiness, and drooling	very high

 

1. The incubation period for hand, foot, and mouth disease – the period when parents must be aware.

 

The incubation period for hand, foot and mouth disease is the period during which the virus multiplies in the body, with few visible symptoms.

My child's snack intake decreased during this period, and he became a bit irritable in the afternoons. He was usually playful, but suddenly he sat on the sofa, saying, "I don't want to be scared."

 

Subtle signs that may appear during the incubation period of hand, foot, and mouth disease:

• 
  - Napping time increases more than usual
  - Refusing snacks and meals that were previously enjoyed
  - Sometimes he says he gets a headache
  - Body temperature rises slightly to around 37.5 degrees
•  

The problem is that transmission is possible even during this time.
Especially in places where children spend time in close contact, such as daycare centers and kindergartens, children in the incubation period of hand, foot, and mouth disease can also spread the virus.

 

2. Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease – When to go to the hospital

 

Prodromal symptoms are signs that 'symptoms are about to begin', just before the full-blown onset.
My child had a fever of 38 degrees Celsius on the last night of the incubation period, and the next morning, he had a sore and swollen throat.

That afternoon I noticed a very faint red spot on the tip of my finger.

 

Changes frequently seen in prodromal symptoms:

• 
  - Fever around 38 degrees, often accompanied by chills
  - Swollen tonsils and difficulty swallowing
  - Small red dots on the skin of the hands and feet
  - Feeling listless and easily irritated
•  

It is recommended to go to the hospital during this time.
Even if the rash is mild, the doctor will determine the possibility of hand, foot, and mouth disease by looking at the condition of the throat and tonsils.
In our case, the prodromal symptoms progressed to the initial symptoms the day after.

3. Early symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease – the most difficult time for children

 

When the initial symptoms begin, the typical appearance of hand, foot and mouth disease appears.
Small, round blisters appear on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, between your fingers, and around your toes. Ulcerative blisters also develop in your mouth, making eating and speaking difficult.

 

Representative changes seen in early symptoms:

• 
  - Multiple blisters appear on the hands, feet, and mouth.
  - The area around the blister is red and swollen
  - High fever of 38-39 degrees Celsius lasting 2-3 days
  - Drooling a lot and refusing to eat
  - Complaints of pain in the soles of the feet when walking
•  

My child had blisters on the soles of his feet, so he would walk on his toes, saying, “My feet feel sore,” and he couldn’t even swallow water properly because of the pain in his mouth.

This is the most difficult time for both parents and children.

 

- How to manage food for fish

 

The initial symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days after the rash begins.
Especially for the first 2-3 days, the blisters in the mouth are so severe that it is difficult to even swallow water.

 

1. Lukewarm water/porridge

- Temperature: 37-38 degrees, similar to body temperature
- Ingredients: White rice, glutinous rice, pumpkin, potato, carrot
- Method: Soak the rice for 2 hours, add plenty of water and boil until completely dissolved, and season to a minimum.

 

 

2. Soft snacks

Pudding: low-sugar or homemade, served not too cold
- Yogurt: Plain, no lumps, no honey or syrup

 

 

3. Foods to avoid

- Hot, spicy, and salty foods (stews, ramen)
- Acidic drinks (orange juice, carbonated drinks)
- Crispy snacks and fried foods

 

Feeding tip: Instead of feeding a lot at once, feed small amounts every 2-3 hours using a small spoon → Reduces the burden of swallowing.

- Home care and prevention tips

 

- Wash your hands at least three times a day
- Disinfect toys, doorknobs, and remote controls
- Separate tableware and towels between family members
- Avoid going out or attending school until completely healed (recommended for at least 1 week after the rash disappears)

- conclusion

 

This year, 6-year-olds' hand, foot, and mouth disease symptoms are easily overlooked by their parents due to their rapid transmission and subtle incubation period. 🥲🥲

The way to prevent the spread and worsening of the disease is to closely monitor the disease from the incubation period and go to the hospital immediately when symptoms appear.
Parents' prompt response and consistent management will speed up the child's recovery.

 

 

 

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