HFMD Signs and symptoms

Janelle's Teacher just called to inform me that her schoolmates who are sharing the same classroom with her are down with HFMD. Teachers are very worried that Janelle would have it cos she likes to mouth things. Now mummy is very worried.
Surfing the net now to get more details on HFMD:

• HFMD usually affects infants and children, and is quite common. It is moderately contagious and is spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or feces of an infected person.


• The usual incubation period is 3–7 days.


• The initial symptoms include fever and general malaise (poor appetite, aches and pains, etc.). These symptoms generally last one to two days before a blister-like rash develops on the hands, feet, and in the mouth. The rash initially appears as small red spots but then develops into vesicles (blisters). The blisters may develop on the gums, inner cheeks, and tongue, and patients may complain of mouth pain and a sore throat. These young patients tend to drool and avoid swallowing and may refuse to drink or eat because of the discomfort. Very young infants may even become dehydrated due to the refusal to drink. Rarely, other more serious complications occur, including viral meningitis (aseptic meningitis) and encephalitis. The symptoms associated with these complications include high fever, headache, stiff neck, and back pain.

*updated*
From some mommies sharing, the symptoms on hand and foot may not be obvious. Need to look out for blisters in the mouth... And the blisters must be red... if it's on the sole, it should be flat red spots... only on the 'surface' that it'll be blisters... but it must be red. and the impt thing will be on the tongue, and again, must be red.

Kepping my fingers and toes crossed...