Patient's question:
The child is now 4 years old. They had hand, foot, and mouth disease once two years ago. Currently, the child has a fever of 39 degrees, a red throat, a slight cough in the morning, and has received injections for two days. Now, there are blisters in the throat. I would like to ask what should be done.Doctor's answer:
"Hand, foot, and mouth disease" is an infectious disease characterized by blisters on the mouth and hands/feet, caused by a virus. Enteroviruses, particularly Coxsackievirus, are the main culprits behind this illness. The disease is highly contagious, and the virus spreads through droplets in throat secretions and saliva from infected individuals and asymptomatic carriers. The virus in blisters and feces can also be transmitted through the mouth via contaminated hands or objects. Close contact between adults with asymptomatic infections and children, such as holding or kissing them, is often an overlooked transmission route. It can also lead to large-scale outbreaks through contaminated water sources. The disease can occur year-round but is most common between March and November, with a peak during the summer months of June to August. The general course of the illness is mild and short, typically resolving within about a week. After the rash disappears, it does not leave scars or hyperpigmentation. If secondary infections occur, they may worsen the skin damage.