Question

Will hand, foot, and mouth disease recur after recovery?

Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease can recur after recovery. I was treated at District People’s Hospital and have now recovered. How can one prevent a recurrence?

  1. Before meals and after using the bathroom, children should wash their hands with soap or hand sanitizer. They should avoid drinking untreated water or eating cold, raw foods, and prevent contact with sick children.
  2. Caregivers must wash their hands after changing a baby’s diaper or handling feces, and dispose of waste properly.
  3. Bottles and nipples used by infants should be thoroughly sterilized before and after use.
  4. During the outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, avoid taking children to crowded public places with poor ventilation, and keep the home environment clean. Open windows for ventilation frequently and regularly dry clothes and bedding.