Can Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Be Detected Through Blood Tests?

Question

Can blood tests be used to detect hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Answer

Blood tests cannot alone confirm a diagnosis of hand, foot, and mouth disease; other symptoms such as rashes and oral sores need to be observed. If there is only fever without other obvious symptoms, it may be an upper respiratory infection. It is recommended to first conduct a routine blood test; if the results show a bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used for treatment. Severe cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease usually occur in children under 3 years old. Patients may not have rashes within the first 24 hours of onset but may exhibit symptoms such as poor spirits and vomiting, indicating brain inflammation. For fever issues, symptomatic relief is sufficient; as long as the mental state is good, there should not be major problems. It is advised to seek medical attention for detailed examination and treatment.