What is the difference between hand, foot and mouth disease and cold?

Colds generally refer to upper respiratory tract infections. The difference between hand, foot and mouth disease and upper respiratory tract infections lies in the differences in causes, symptoms, transmission routes, complications and treatments. It is recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner.

1. Different causes: Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by enterovirus. Common viruses include Coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71; upper respiratory tract infection is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by a variety of viruses such as coronavirus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus.

2. Different symptoms: The symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease mainly include fever, oral herpes, herpes on the hands, feet and buttocks, etc. Some children may also experience symptoms such as cough, runny nose, loss of appetite, etc.; the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection mainly include fever, headache, cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, etc.

3. Different communication methods: Hand, foot and mouth disease is mainly transmitted through close contact, such as contact with hands, towels, toys, etc. contaminated with the virus, and can also be transmitted through droplets; upper respiratory tract infection is mainly transmitted through droplets or contact.

4. Different complications: Hand, foot and mouth disease has relatively few complications, and a few may develop complications such as encephalitis, meningitis, myocarditis, etc.; upper respiratory tract infection has more complications, such as otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, etc.

5. Different treatment methods: There is no special drug treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease. It is mainly symptomatic treatment such as antipyretic, analgesic, oral care, etc. The treatment of upper respiratory tract infection is mainly symptomatic treatment such as antipyretic, cough, sputum, etc. Pay attention to rest and drink plenty of water.

In daily life, maintain good personal hygiene, pay attention to respiratory hygiene, avoid crowded places, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and exercise moderately to enhance immunity.