Suspected HFMD

[TheWorstWeek]

I think DS2 has HFMD. DH had it earlier this year so I know what to look for. He complained of a sore mouth yesterday and this morning and while I looked, albeit mostly at his tonsils, I didn't notice anything. This evening he was more specific and said his tongue hurt and sure enough he has a couple of ulcers on it and two small spots on his hands.

DS1 is having his birthday party this weekend in a hall that we've paid for and prepared for already. Can we still go ahead with it? I've looked on the NHS website and it says:

"Keep your child off school or nursery while they're feeling unwell.

But as soon as they're feeling better, they can go back to school or nursery. There's no need to wait until all the blisters have healed.

Keeping your child away from other children for longer is unlikely to stop the illness spreading."

Providing he is well and hasn't had a fever for over 24hours we should be able to still have the party as planned? If he could return to nursery in the same circumstances? It would break my heart to either tell him he had to miss his brother's party or cancel it altogether.

Yeah tbf, I've known people to still go to toddler groups etc when their child has had HFM but been well within themselves, no temp etc.
As long as he's feeling OK, no ridiculous temperature and he's physically up to it, you should be OK. The only thing I will say is whether you decide to mention it to other parents if there are any attending the party, as some parents do get funny about being around things like this as they don't want their child getting it. Joys of kids haha xx

Yup, the joys of kids, schools and nurseries!

Other than a bit grouchy after a poor night's sleep he's been much himself. He's got a fair number of spots on his hands but I think only two, maybe three are blisters. He only complained at breakfast about his mouth but otherwise has eaten and drank like usual So I'm hopeful by the weekend he'll be okay.

I'm feeling rough though which I hadn't expected. I'm very worn out and have cold symptoms so I'm keeping everything crossed that it's only a cold that passes quickly.