Question
A parent reported that their two-and-a-half-year-old child has been suffering from hand, foot, and mouth disease multiple times since last year, and despite medical treatment, the outbreaks continue. The parent wants to know if there is a way to completely eradicate hand, foot, and mouth disease to prevent the child from being infected again.
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is caused by various viruses that do not share common antigens, meaning the antibodies produced do not have cross-immune capability. This means that even if a child has had hand, foot, and mouth disease before, they can still become infected with another virus. Therefore, it is impossible to completely eradicate hand, foot, and mouth disease. To reduce the risk of the child being infected again, it is important to avoid contact with patients who have hand, foot, and mouth disease and to try to avoid crowded public places as much as possible. Always wash hands after touching public facilities. Boosting the child’s immunity is the most effective prevention method. Parents can consider pediatric spinal manipulation to enhance resistance and appropriately supplement zinc to boost immunity.