Question
My baby has been infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease and has been hospitalized for two weeks before coming home. Now, when we measure their body temperature, they have a fever. I want to ask if it’s normal to have a fever after being discharged from hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by a virus, usually transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact. It may be accompanied by a fever, with temperatures around 38°C, and may also present with symptoms similar to a cold, such as a runny nose. Full recovery after treatment takes time. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a self-limiting illness, and being discharged from the hospital indicates complete recovery. Within two days after discharge, if the rashes on the hands, feet, mouth, and perianal areas have completely disappeared, there will be no recurrence in the short term. The fever may be related to the wounds, so it’s best to go to the hospital for a check-up first. It is recommended to consult a specialized infectious disease department or pediatrician, maintain adequate sleep and diet, avoid eating difficult-to-digest foods like barbecue, drink plenty of water, and keep the indoor air circulating.