Question
Is hand, foot, and mouth disease common in children over 10? Is it contagious?
Answer
Although hand, foot, and mouth disease is more common in infants and young children, children over the age of 10 can still be infected. The disease is caused by enteroviruses and can be transmitted through contact with the secretions, saliva, or blister fluid of an infected person. During outbreaks, kindergartens and nurseries are prone to collective infections, and families are also prone to clustered outbreaks. Therefore, personal hygiene should be maintained by frequently washing hands and avoiding contact with infected individuals to reduce the risk of infection.