Blisters on your hands and mouth, accompanied by vomiting and fever, most likely signifies that you have contracted Hand, Foot and Mouth disease, or HFM. Treatment options are limited, but can make this viral infection more tolerable. HMF is avoidable if you know how to protect yourself. Always consult a physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Basics
HFM is not usually life-threatening, and is caused by coxsackievirus as well as enterovirus. These viruses are found in the digestive tract and are spread from contaminated fecal material passed through unwashed hands. Children under the age of 4 are most susceptible to the disease, especially when they interact with other children at daycare or preschool; outbreaks occur most often during the summer and early fall.
Symptoms
Painful blisters may develop on your throat, tongue, gums, hard palate or cheeks. The palms of your hands and soles of your feet may develop red blisters with small bubbles of fluid on top. The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases reports that you may observe a pink rash on your buttocks, thighs or other parts of your body. HFM disease is not always accompanied by symptoms, which makes diagnosis difficult. Young children with limited communication skills may not be able to verbalize throat pain, but may communicate that something is wrong if they stop or reduce eating and drinking. Other signs of HFM include fever, vomiting, irritability, flu symptoms and muscle aches.
Transmission
People infected with HFM carry the virus in their saliva, stool, blister fluid, nose and throat secretions. The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases cautions the the virus is most contagious during the first week of illness, and remains in the body for weeks after symptoms dissipate, so you can spread the virus even after you appear to be well. Humans cannot transmit the virus to animals.
Treatment
There is no cure for HFM as of January 2011, so the virus needs to run its course. Symptom relief is the only treatment, with over-the counter medications being the main course of therapy. Acetaminophen can treat fever, but do not give aspirin to children under 12. MedlinePlus recommends rinsing with salt water solution to ease pain from mouth sores. Increase fluid intake to assure proper hydration, but avoid juice and soda due to their acid content.
