Hand, foot and mouth.. tell me more..?

[PixieBob28]

Our dear nephew 4 has hand, foot and mouth disease. However much I adore him and feel for him, I have a 4 month year old baby I have to try my hardest to protect him. We have a family Xmas meal coming up 2 weeks today but nephew is still covered in the rash and blisters? It says online that he may be contagious for weeks? Is this true, should I avoid the the Xmas meal? My partner is meant to be seeing his sister also tomorrow who has been in contact with nephew is there a high chance he can catch it too. I know I sound over protective but both baby and I have had a rough 4 months and have other illnesses that we have only just over come and don't fancy anything else right now if we can avoid it. Many thanks

My DD had it a few weeks ago, we were told it's contagious for 5-7 days after symptoms occur so you should be fine in 2 weeks. If you're in the Midlands then you'll struggle to avoid it if you go to baby groups etc - I know so many babies who have had it. She had a fever and was sad for about 2/3 days then back to herself and the rash was gone in a week. I'm actually glad she's had it before I go back to work.

I caught it off DD. I’ve never been so ill in my life. I’d do whatever was needed to avoid it!