Question
I have an 11-month-old child who has been taking medication for bronchitis caused by a cold every day. Yesterday, my friend brought her child, who is the same age as mine, to play at my house. The child’s hands seemed to have some blisters. Today, my friend took her child to the hospital for a check-up and found out it was Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Is there a possibility that my child could be infected? My child has not shown any symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease yet. What should we do to prevent it?
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is an infectious disease caused by enteroviruses, with common types including Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. To prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, it is important to avoid close contact with children who are infected and to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. Wash hands before and after meals, after using the toilet, and keep food and utensils clean. Additionally, if a child in your home is infected with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, they should be isolated to reduce the risk of virus transmission. For children who have not been infected, regular environmental disinfection, maintaining indoor ventilation, and avoiding high-risk areas for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can be helpful. If possible, vaccination can also be considered to prevent the disease.