Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease on the Rise: Georgia Pediatrician Explains Symptoms, Treatment, and Telehealth Care to Stop the Spread

Cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease are on the rise in Georgia, spreading through schools and daycare centers. Georgia pediatrician Dr. Hall from Hall Pediatrics explains what parents need to know — from symptoms to treatment — and how telehealth can help families statewide.

What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that mostly affects young children. It’s typically caused by the coxsackievirus and spreads easily through saliva, nasal mucus, or fluid from blisters — especially in group settings like classrooms or playgrounds.

Symptoms often begin with a mild fever, sore throat, and poor appetite, followed by small red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. Some children may develop rashes on the legs, arms, or diaper area.

Common Symptoms Parents Should Watch For

While most children recover within 7–10 days, Dr. Hall advises parents to look for these symptoms:

• Painful mouth sores that make eating or drinking difficult

• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, few wet diapers)

• Fever lasting more than three days

• Rash that looks infected or spreads quickly

  
  

There’s no medication that “cures” HFMD, but at-home care can help your child recover comfortably. Offer cool, soft foods, keep them hydrated, and give fever reducers only as directed.

When to Schedule a Telehealth Visit

If your child isn’t eating, has a high fever, or you’re unsure how serious symptoms are, telehealth visits make it easy to get care while avoiding exposure to others.

During a Hall Pediatrics Telehealth appointment, a Georgia pediatrician can:

• Review symptoms and check the rash via video

• Recommend safe fever treatments and hydration tips

• Decide whether an in-person visit is needed

👉 Book a telehealth visit anywhere in Georgia or call (912) 369-5437.

Hall Pediatrics accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid, and you don’t need to be an existing patient to schedule a telehealth appointment.

Preventing Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

The best prevention is frequent handwashing, avoiding shared utensils or cups, and disinfecting toys and high-touch surfaces. If one child in your household has HFMD, limit contact and clean items daily to prevent spread.

Telehealth also helps reduce transmission — keeping contagious kids home while still getting professional care.

Trusted Pediatric Care Anywhere in Georgia

Dr. Eric L. Hall, M.D. and his team at Hall Pediatrics provide trusted pediatric care both in person and through telehealth visits. If your child develops a fever, rash, or sore throat, quick access to professional guidance brings peace of mind — without a waiting room full of germs.

Hall Pediatrics Telehealth – Available Anywhere in Georgia Board Certified | New Patients Welcome | Medicaid Accepted