Question
A two-year-old child has been diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease and has been treated at a local hospital without significant improvement. The parents are worried about the condition and inquire whether they should transfer the child to a larger hospital for treatment.
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a viral infection, often related to poor personal hygiene habits. Treatment should involve oral antiviral medications under a doctor’s guidance, and intravenous treatment may be considered for severe cases. It is recommended to have the child drink plenty of water, keep warm, avoid catching a cold, and consume moderate amounts of vegetables and fruits. Avoid taking the child to crowded places. Generally, the course of the disease lasts about a week, and traditional Chinese medicine’s clear heat and detoxify treatment can be supplemented. If the treatment at the local hospital is not effective, consider transferring to a hospital with better facilities for further diagnosis and treatment.