Hand, foot and mouth disease. How long off school?

[oldgimmer78]

Ds has been complaining of sore toes for a few days and today has blisters on toes, fingertips and in his mouth. Not a big deal I know, but does anyone know how long they should stay off school? I will phone first thing on Monday morning to ask, but need to arrange pick ups for the week, hence why I'm asking now. (Google says it is contagious for 1-3 weeks!)

There's no exclusion proud for hfm, it's considered a minor virus like a cold.

• period

Oh really? I thought schools/nurseries had to do a deep clean after a case as it is highly contagious? Ds will be devastated that he has to go in on Monday then

Was meant to be

The advice on the nhs website is if they feel well in themselves they don't need to be kept off school.

Really depends. My DS had it very badly (blisters on soles of feet making it hard to walk, blisters on hands and in between fingers so he couldn’t hold a pencil, little appetite). He was in Reception and not only was his teacher heavily pregnant, he had an immunity suppressed child in his class. We kept him off for a week & school were fine. After a week most of his blisters had popped and healed and he felt a lot better.

A member of staff at my sch had it last year and sch asked her to stay off for a week due to other pregnant teachers and children with suppressed immune systems. Maybe check with sch and go with their advice.

Spoke to a mum from another class and apparently everyone in the after schools club has it. I'll phone first thing to check but be prepared that he should go in. Thanks to all who replied.