Question
My oldest child has contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease, and now I’m pregnant. Will taking care of him pose any harm to me?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infectious disease, and pregnant women are at high risk of infection. It is not recommended to care for the child or deliver a baby at this time. Hand, foot, and mouth disease can be spread through food, air, and the placenta, so it is relatively dangerous for pregnant women who contract the disease or are pregnant and need to care for such children. Because pregnant women have weakened immunity and are more susceptible to infection, they belong to a high-risk group. If a child is affected by hand, foot, and mouth disease, family members must take the child to a doctor immediately for treatment. Avoiding various misconceptions is crucial; timely symptomatic treatment is essential. For parents, it’s important to closely observe any changes in the child’s symptoms and do everything possible to help the child receive timely medical treatment.