Question
My son has been coughing and feeling listless for the past few days. He also has small bumps on his body. The doctor at the hospital carefully examined him and said it was hand, foot, and mouth disease rash. Hello, what viruses can cause hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common childhood illness caused by various types of enteroviruses. These viruses thrive and spread more easily in humid environments and are more prevalent in infants and young children. The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease include maculopapular rashes on the hands, feet, and mouth, with oral ulcers forming after the rashes break open. Additionally, many children may also experience symptoms similar to the common cold, such as sore throat, headache, or runny nose. It is recommended that parents pay attention to their child’s environment and personal hygiene, keep indoor air circulating, try to avoid taking their child to crowded public places, and disinfect toys and rooms used by their child to prevent infection.