Question
A two-and-a-half-year-old child has developed small blisters on their hands, feet, and knees, with many more in the mouth. After three days of treatment, the child still experiences pain in the throat and mouth. How should this be handled?
Answer
Firstly, it is important to isolate the child from healthy individuals. The child should stay at home until the fever subsides, the rash clears up, and the blisters scab over. Generally, this isolation should last for about two weeks. Toys, utensils, and other items used by the child should be thoroughly disinfected. Commonly used disinfectants contain chlorine, which can be used for soaking or boiling. Items that cannot be soaked or boiled can be left out in the sun for direct exposure. The child’s feces should be disposed of after being disinfected with chlorine-based disinfectants for two hours. Maintain good air circulation in the room; ensure the child’s living space has fresh air and a comfortable temperature. Regularly open windows for ventilation and use lactic acid fumigation to disinfect the air daily. Avoid overcrowding in the living space and prohibit smoking to prevent air pollution and secondary infections.