A member asked:
is hand foot and mouth contagious for 6 weeks only my 17 month old had it. and we have had to stop a grand parents coming who has a kidney transplant
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 46 years experience
Depends on situation: The hfm viruses can be found in the stool of a patient for up to 6 weeks, but with normal hygienic practices that poses no risk to most.The primary contagious period forviral presence in the saliva lasts about 7-10 days.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Dec 16, 2012
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