What are the main sources of infection for hand, foot and mouth disease in children?

The main sources of infection for hand, foot and mouth disease in children include the saliva, feces, herpes fluid of the children, and daily necessities such as toys and towels contaminated by them. These are the main routes of transmission. Understanding the sources of infection for hand, foot and mouth disease and taking targeted preventive measures can effectively reduce the risk of infection.

1. Saliva and respiratory secretions of the patient

The main pathogens of hand, foot and mouth disease are enteroviruses, such as EV71 and coxsackievirus. These viruses are transmitted through droplets, so direct contact with the saliva of sick children, droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, may infect healthy children. It is recommended that parents teach their children to cover their mouths and noses when sneezing and coughing, and to ventilate more to dilute the pathogens in the air.

2. The child's stool

The virus multiplies in the digestive tract of the child, and the feces excreted from the body still contain the virus, and the virus in the feces can survive for a long time. If the child touches objects or environments contaminated by feces and does not clean his hands thoroughly, the virus may enter the body through the "fecal-oral" route. Parents should wash their hands in time after changing their children's diapers and properly dispose of excrement.

3. Herpes fluid

The small blisters caused by hand, foot and mouth disease contain high concentrations of viruses. If the blisters rupture and come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes of other children, the virus may be directly transmitted. Parents should avoid letting their children directly touch the herpes area of ​​the child. If they do touch it, they should immediately clean their hands with alcohol-based disinfectant.

4. Contaminated toys and daily necessities

The virus can attach to items that sick children touch, such as toys, towels, and tableware. If healthy children touch these items and do not wash their hands thoroughly, the virus may infect through the mouth or skin. Parents need to regularly wash items that children often use with disinfectant, and it is recommended to disinfect tableware at high temperature before each use.

5. Other transmission channels

In addition to direct contact and droplet transmission, hand, foot and mouth disease virus may also be transmitted through contaminated water or food, such as eating raw vegetables or fruits that have not been thoroughly washed. Therefore, food hygiene is particularly important. Children should eat cooked food, avoid drinking raw water, and fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed.

Parents should pay more attention to their children's contact with people in daily life, especially during epidemic seasons, and try to avoid taking children to crowded public places such as shopping malls, playgrounds, and schools. If a child is suspected of being infected, he or she should seek medical attention in time to reduce the possibility of spreading the disease to other children. Prevention measures include washing hands frequently, keeping the environment clean, and urging children to improve their awareness of self-protection, which can effectively reduce the risk of transmission of hand, foot and mouth disease.