Have You Had Herpes Pharyngitis? Will You Still Get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Question

Last summer, I had a case of herpes pharyngitis. I’ve heard that once you’ve had this disease, you won’t get hand, foot, and mouth disease anymore. Is this statement correct?

Answer

Even if you have had herpes pharyngitis before, there is still a possibility of getting hand, foot, and mouth disease. While children with hand, foot, and mouth disease do have some immunity, the virus can mutate, and the mutated virus may have some components similar to the previously infected virus. This causes the antibodies produced during the previous infection to have a certain degree of cross immunity against the mutated virus. Therefore, children who have had hand, foot, and mouth disease may still get it again, but their resistance is relatively higher than that of children who have never had it. In terms of diet, it’s important to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and stimulating food, and engage in moderate exercise to enhance a child’s immunity.