Question

Will hand, foot, and mouth disease recur? My child is already 5 years old and contracted the illness in early August. They were hospitalized for a week and have since been discharged. I’m very worried at home. What should I be attentive to?

Answer

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a common, mild yet highly contagious illness caused by various enteroviruses. It mainly occurs in children under the age of 5. Generally, there is no recurrence of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Treatment with oral medications and antiviral drugs typically lasts about a week with no complications, leading to a good prognosis. It is also important to adhere to regular treatment schedules for the child’s recovery. While caring for your child, you should pay attention to the following:

  1. Maintain Hand Hygiene: Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently, especially after touching other children or objects.
  2. Avoid Close Contact: Try to prevent your child from coming into close contact with other children who have Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease to reduce the risk of transmission.
  3. Keep the Environment Clean: Regularly clean and disinfect items and surfaces that your child frequently touches, such as toys, tables, and doorknobs.
  4. Avoid Sharing Items: During the healing period, try to prevent your child from sharing items with other children, such as utensils and cups.
  5. Monitor the Condition: Keep a close watch