Is It Normal for a Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Child to Have Recurring Fever?

Question

After two days of treatment, the symptoms of a child with hand, foot, and mouth disease improved, but they started to have a fever again on the fourth day. Is this normal?

Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by a virus, which usually presents with fever symptoms. Although the fever stabilized within two days, if it recurs, it may be due to re-infection or other reasons. In this case, the child may have caught a cold again in the meantime, leading to the recurrence of fever. If other symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease such as dry heaves, poor mental state, or jumping are not present, symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication can be administered for the fever. Parents should provide adequate care and attention to their child and help them receive timely treatment for the disease.