Question
What are the initial symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease? Do they include fever and cough? How should hand, foot, and mouth disease be treated?
Answer
The initial symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can vary from child to child. Some children may initially present with fever, while others may first show signs of vesicular eruptions on the oral mucosa and bone and muscle areas. Therefore, this is not absolute and cannot be generalized. Since your child is currently mainly experiencing fever and cough, it may also be a common cold or bronchitis. You can take your child to a pediatrician for a follow-up visit. Conduct a lung percussion exam, routine blood tests, mycoplasma antibodies, and chest X-ray for detailed examination. Then, based on the results of these detailed examinations, consider whether it is necessary to administer antipyretic medications and antibiotics for treatment.