Question
A child in school has contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease but unlike other students with more severe symptoms, this child does not have a fever and only exhibits rashes. In this case, can the disease be allowed to heal naturally without administering medication?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is typically caused by enteroviruses and affects most children with mild symptoms upon infection. If there are no obvious symptoms like fever, it is recommended to isolate the child at home and not administer medication. Encourage the child to consume fresh vegetables and fruits, get plenty of rest, and enhance nutrition to boost their immune system, which can help in the early recovery from the disease. Generally, most children can recover naturally within about a week.