Question
A one-and-a-half-year-old child had hand, foot, and mouth disease a week ago, was hospitalized for seven days and recovered well. Will it recur? How can one tell if there’s a recurrence?
Answer
Generally speaking, as long as the baby’s immune system is strengthened, hand, foot, and mouth disease is usually not contracted again after one occurrence. It is more common in infants and young children, with fewer cases after the age of three. The baby will produce various antibodies. It is essential to ensure that the baby receives adequate nutrition and maintains good hand hygiene and disinfection. It is also important to keep up with routine vaccinations. Additionally, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables and eating calcium, iron, and zinc-rich foods can help boost the baby’s immunity.