How does hand foot and mouth start?

[Jennyfur]

2 year old had an unsettled night last night, just kept crying, basically stayed asleep but seemed sort of in pain or uncomfortable. Yesterday i noticed he had one little red spot on the corner of his nose that looked sore. Today he woke up with sores around mouth and on chin. In fine form, doesn’t seem lethargic or sore. A couple have gone a little yellow. Ate his dinner tonight fine. No spots anywhere else. There was a lot of HFM going around daycare in November and he didn’t seem to catch it then. Does it sound like HFM or something else?

My daughter was really poorly with it to start with. Very sleepy, high temp and I think she felt/was sick. Then the next day a few spots came up and then more and more as days went on. Didn’t want to eat anything because spots went down the throat

I think being off food (because mouth / throat were sore) and a sore bum were the main signs in both of mine.

First time my son had it at around 1 yr old. He had about 3 spots and I didn't notice much wrong with him. Only realised what it had been after it had passed. But second time was awful, crying a lot, sore mouth, sore hands and feet. Generally miserable for about 3 days but then better within the next day or two.

I am guessing it is to do with viral load as much as their immunity. Sadly they can catch it multiple times.