Patient's question:
I heard that many patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease are children. I'd like to know how children should be to avoid getting hand, foot, and mouth disease?Doctor's answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a global infectious disease caused by various enteroviruses. It can occur throughout the year, with peak incidence in late spring and early summer, primarily between May and July, while it is less common during winter.How is it transmitted? Both patients and asymptomatic carriers are sources of HFMD. Patients refer to children who have contracted the disease, while some adolescents or adults, due to stronger immunity, may become infected but remain asymptomatic.
Through what pathways does it spread? HFMD is primarily transmitted through the digestive tract and respiratory droplets. It can also be spread by contact with the skin, mucous membranes, or vesicular fluid of infected individuals. The highest transmissibility typically occurs within the first week after onset. Additionally, the feces, respiratory secretions, and vesicular fluid of infected children, as well as various toys and utensils they have come into contact with, can also serve as vectors for the spread of the pathogen.