Question
A parent inquired about their 13-year-old daughter, who was in the same class as a student diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. The parent initially believed that children of this age were not susceptible to the disease and worried whether the diagnosis was accurate. Can a 13-year-old child contract Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus and does not differentiate between age groups; both adults and children can be infected. It is often related to personal hygiene habits. Once diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, antiviral medications should be used under a doctor’s guidance, and in severe cases, intravenous injections may be necessary. The typical course of the disease lasts about one week to ten days. During this period, it is advisable to avoid spicy, greasy foods, maintain a light diet, drink adequate amounts of water, and consider traditional Chinese medicine treatments for clearing heat and detoxifying.