If the room is at an average temperature remove the clothes from the child. It is not recommended to wrap up a feverish child or to cold sponge them. Not only does this make them more uncomfortable but can also make the fever worse. Cold water will constrict the blood vessels, trapping heat deep inside their body. It is a good idea to keep the air circulating in the room by using a fan or having an open window, however be careful not to fan the child too closely with cold air. If a sore throat gets so bad that the child refuses to drink, inform the doctor otherwise dehydration could occur. 

Hand, foot and mouth disease is infectious and can take 3-5 days for symptoms to occur after being infected. Coughing and sneezing is the most common form of transmitting the virus and it goes into the air and then comes into contact with the next person. That is why it is common for outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease to occur in nurseries and school. The disease is infectious until the mouth ulcers and spots have cleared up so any one with the virus should stay isolated, particularly from other children until this stage. However, the virus can still be present and passed out via faeces for another 2 or more weeks. Practising good hygiene will reduce the chance of the virus being passed on. 

Parents or nannies should take care when handling nappies and used tissues and wash their hands every time. With older children make sire they thoroughly wash their time after each time they go to the toilet. Try to avoid piercing blisters, as the liquid is infectious and don’t share utensils, cups or towels. Try to keep his or her mouth and nose covered and use disposable tissues to wipe the child’s nose.