Originally Posted by Leigh:
They probably were all exposed, BUT, more exposures=more likely to contract the illness. Exclusion still helps prevent the spread (I have never had a DCK get it from another DCK).
I'm not so sure that DCM was telling you the truth about having a "negative test" for it. I truly doubt that any doctor would order lab work for HFM for a child who wasn't critically ill (like, a kid who has cancer, and when they must know exactly which bacteria or virus is attacking the child). Especially unlikely when the child's only symptom is fever. Doctors diagnose HFM by exam.
I agree ☝️. When my son had HFM 2 years ago the pediatrician said there wasn’t a test to be done, just an exam. He was excluded from daycare for the week until fever and sores were healed.