Tips from foot-and-mouth disease in the summer months

TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA (WVNS) – Back to school means back to germs.

A child could get off the school bus with painful blisters all over the hands and feet, and in the throat.

This is a viral infection called hand, foot and mouth disease. Dr. Tyler Pittman, from the Bluefield Family Practice Clinic, said the treatment would start with fever and blisters.

He also said that it is more common in the late summer and fall.

It is very contagious even after the blisters disappear. According to Pittman, it is extremely easy for children to get in touch with them at school.

"The blisters disappear after the sixth day of infection and you can spread this virus, and spread it for a week or two the child looks better and has nothing," said Pittman

Pittman said that there is no cure for the infection, but it will take its course after a few weeks.