The most contagious period of HFMD is within a week of the onset of HFMD, during which the pathogen can be present on the rash and spread through direct contact, and in the respiratory tract and spread through respiratory droplets. It is possible to contract HFMD without direct contact with a person with HFMD, but only indirectly by passing objects or talking together. However, causing the transmission of the associated pathogens does not necessarily lead to transmission. It is possible that the infected person’s immune system may or may not clear these viruses, causing some symptoms. The symptoms that result are likely to be insidious infections or cause herpes pharyngitis, not necessarily the symptoms of HFMD. However, both herpes pharyngitis and HFMD are caused by viral infections and are contagious and should be treated equally.