Question
My child’s palms, soles of the feet, and buttocks have erupted with blisters again, but they are not feverish and are in good spirits. They have a good appetite at noon. Can my baby’s hand, foot, and mouth disease be contagious?
Answer
When a child is infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease, parents may worry about being infected themselves. However, if you are also infected with the same type of hand, foot, and mouth virus, you will not be contagious to your child anymore because the child has developed immunity. Hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by the same type of enterovirus induces lifelong immunity. If you and your baby are infected with the same virus that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease in your child, you will never transmit it to your baby again. Nevertheless, when a child is threatened by hand, foot, and mouth disease, parents should immediately take their child to see a doctor to avoid various misconceptions and receive timely symptomatic treatment. For parents, providing enough care and attention to their child is crucial. It is important to help children receive timely treatment for their illness.