How to prepare for a video visit about Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease - Triage

Audience: adult

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that often affects children but can also occur in adults. It typically causes fever, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. Preparing for a video visit about HFMD can help you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, examine visible signs through the camera, and advise on care and when to seek in-person care. Telemedicine can help you understand the illness, manage symptoms, and decide if further testing or treatment is needed. However, it cannot replace urgent in-person evaluation if serious symptoms occur. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, recognize warning signs, and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for HFMD.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling — seek urgent care immediately.
• Signs of dehydration such as very little urine, dry mouth, or dizziness — get prompt medical attention.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or above 39°C (102°F) — contact healthcare provider or emergency services.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and rash appearance via video.
• Providing advice on symptom management and home care.
• Guidance on infection control and prevention.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination beyond visual assessment.
• Laboratory testing or diagnostic procedures.
• Emergency treatment for severe symptoms or complications.
• Administering medications or interventions requiring in-person care.

What is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a viral infection caused by enteroviruses, most commonly coxsackievirus. It spreads through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms usually appear 3-7 days after exposure and include fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and a rash with red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks. HFMD is generally mild and resolves within 7-10 days without specific treatment.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, find a quiet, well-lit space with a stable internet connection. Have a list of symptoms ready, including when they started and any changes. Prepare to show the rash or mouth sores clearly to the camera. Write down any questions or concerns you have. If possible, have a thermometer handy to report your temperature. Also, note any other health conditions or medications you are taking.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any recent exposure to others with HFMD. They will ask you to show the rash and mouth sores to assess their appearance. The provider will discuss symptom management, such as pain relief and hydration, and advise on preventing spread to others. They will also explain when you should seek in-person care if symptoms worsen.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

While HFMD is often mild, some signs require urgent medical attention. Seek immediate care if you or the person affected has:

If these occur, telemedicine is not sufficient, and in-person evaluation is necessary.

Managing Symptoms at Home

Most cases of HFMD improve with supportive care. To help manage symptoms:

Follow your healthcare provider's advice given during the video visit.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for the video visit.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Have a thermometer ready to report your temperature if possible.
• Be ready to show rash and mouth sores clearly on camera.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Have a list of current medications and health conditions available.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice for symptom management at home.
• Monitor symptoms closely and watch for any red flags or worsening signs.
• Maintain good hygiene to prevent spreading the infection to others.
• Keep hydrated and rest as much as possible.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek immediate in-person care if any emergency warning signs develop.

FAQs

Is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease contagious?

Yes, HFMD spreads easily through close contact, respiratory droplets, and touching contaminated surfaces. Good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals help reduce spread.

Can adults get Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

Yes, while HFMD is more common in children, adults can also be infected, especially if they have close contact with infected children.

How long does Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease last?

Symptoms usually last about 7 to 10 days. Most people recover without complications.

Are there medicines to cure Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

There is no specific cure for HFMD. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, such as pain and fever, and preventing dehydration.

When should I seek emergency care for Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

Seek emergency care if you experience difficulty swallowing, signs of dehydration, high fever lasting more than 3 days, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, or breathing difficulties.

Sources

1. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease — Mayo Clinic.
4. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Symptoms and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have severe, worsening, or emergency symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.