How is hand, foot, and mouth disease treated? Can it be transmitted to adults?

Patient's question:

No

Doctor's answer:

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious illness caused by enteroviruses, primarily affecting infants and young children. It can cause blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, and in some cases, lead to complications such as myocarditis, pulmonary edema, and aseptic meningitis and encephalitis. The disease is widely distributed with no obvious regional characteristics; it can occur in all seasons, with higher incidence during summer and autumn. This condition often presents as outbreaks followed by sporadic cases. During outbreaks, kindergartens and daycare centers are prone to collective infections, while families may also experience clustered cases. The disease is highly contagious with complex transmission routes, capable of causing large-scale epidemics in a short period.