What causes hand, foot and mouth disease and how to treat it

Hand, foot and mouth disease may be caused by enterovirus infection, unclean food and drinking water, close contact transmission, airborne droplet transmission, and mother-to-child transmission. It can be improved through general treatment or drug therapy.

1. Enterovirus infection: Hand, foot and mouth disease is mainly caused by enterovirus, including enterovirus 71 and enterovirus 16. There is currently no specific drug to treat enterovirus infection. Symptomatic treatment is generally used, such as rest, drinking plenty of water, and oral solution. If there is a fever, you can take ibuprofen granules, acetaminophen tablets and other drugs as prescribed by the doctor.

2. Unclean food and drinking water: Eating unclean food and drinking unclean water may lead to the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease. Prevention methods include maintaining good personal hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently and drinking boiled water.

3. Close contact transmission: Close contact with patients with hand, foot and mouth disease, such as sharing tableware and toys, may lead to virus transmission. Prevention methods include avoiding close contact with patients, washing hands frequently, and keeping the environment clean.

4. Airborne droplet transmission: Droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, etc. contain viruses and may be transmitted through the air. Prevention methods include maintaining good indoor ventilation and avoiding close contact with patients.

5. Mother-to-child transmission: pregnant women infected with hand, foot and mouth disease can pass it to the fetus through the placenta, or to the newborn during delivery. Prevention methods include pregnant women maintaining good personal hygiene habits, avoiding contact with patients, and seeking medical treatment in time.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually a self-limiting disease, and most patients will recover within one to two weeks. However, for patients with severe symptoms or complications, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time, and take preventive measures and maintain good hygiene habits.