Question
What age group does hand, foot, and mouth disease generally affect, and is it contagious? What are the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease? How can I prevent my child from getting it?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease caused by various enteroviruses, primarily affecting children under the age of 5. It often manifests as small or large millet or green bean-sized grayish white blisters or red papules on the cheeks, tongue, soft palate, hard palate, inner lips, hands, feet, heart, elbows, knees, buttocks, and forearms. Hand, foot, and mouth disease typically resolves within a week but can easily be transmitted to others if blisters have previously appeared. HFMD is characterized by its high prevalence, strong contagiousness, and complex modes of transmission. To prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease, you can take the following measures:
- Wash hands frequently: Wash hands often with soap and clean water, especially after touching items or places that may be contaminated with the virus.
- Avoid contact with bodily fluids: Avoid sharing food and drink utensils with someone who has hand, foot, and mouth disease.
- Maintain environmental hygiene: Regularly clean and disinfect environmental surfaces.
- Strengthen personal hygiene: Teach children to use tissues or elbows to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Pay attention to dietary hygiene: Ensure food safety and avoid raw or undercooked foods. If your child shows symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, seek medical attention immediately and follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment and care.