Is It Normal for Children with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease to Have Recurring Fever?

Question

Patient asks: “Doctor, my child has hand, foot, and mouth disease. After two days of treatment, it seems to be improving, but on the fourth day, they started to have a fever again and then it subsided. Why did they start to have a fever again? Is it normal for them to have recurring fevers like this?”

Answer

Medical professional responds: “I’m glad to answer your question. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is typically caused by viral infection. During the course of the disease, in addition to blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, the child may also experience symptoms such as fever and vomiting. It is usually not possible to recover completely within two days. We recommend continuing with standardized antiviral treatment, maintaining good hygiene, and promptly treating fever when it occurs.”