Patient's question:
My relative's child got hand, foot, and mouth disease a few days ago. They just came out of the hospital, but I'm afraid to let them touch the child. I want to know what the complications of hand, foot, and mouth disease are?Doctor's answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by enteroviruses. It typically recurs in spring and autumn. Clinical diagnosis is primarily characterized by hand, foot, and mouth blisters. Most patients have mild symptoms. However, a small number of patients may develop complications such as myocarditis, pulmonary edema, aseptic encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis. Most cases occur in infants under the age of 5.Complications include:
1. The EV71 virus associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease can infiltrate the nervous system. If the patient's condition is weak, it may lead to respiratory and circulatory system weakness. The respiratory and circulatory systems are prone to failure.
2. Few patients will develop aseptic or viral meningitis, characterized by fever, headache, and stiff neck or back pain. At the same time, personal protection should be noted—wash hands frequently, pay attention to personal hygiene, and avoid crowded places.