Instructions

• Instructions for new users

Call Your Doctor Now If:

• Your child looks or acts very sick
• Signs of dehydration (e.g. very dry mouth, no tears, no urine > 8 hours)
• Stiff neck, severe headache or acting confused (delirious)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

• You think your child needs to be seen
• Red, swollen and tender gums
• Fever persists > 3 days

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

• You have other questions or concerns

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

Antacid Solution for Pain Relief

Use an antacid solution 4 times per day:

• For younger children, put ½ teaspoon in the front of the mouth 4 times per day after meals
• Children over age 4 can use 1 teaspoon as a mouth wash after meals

Fluids

• Encourage favorite fluids to prevent dehydration
• Cold drinks, milkshakes, Popsicles, slushes, and sherbet are good choices
• Avoid citrus, salty, or spicy foods
• For infants, give fluids by cup, spoon or syringe rather than a bottle. (Reason: The nipple can cause pain)
• Solid food intake is not important

Fever Medicine

Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for fever > 102°F (39°C) or severe mouth pain.

Contagiousness

Quite contagious but a mild and harmless disease. Incubation period is 3-6 days. Can return to daycare or school after the fever is gone (usually 1 to 3 days).

Expected Course

The fever lasts 2 or 3 days. The mouth ulcers resolve by 7 days. The rash on the hands and feet lasts 10 days.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Signs of dehydration develop
• Fever lasts > 3 days
• Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms