Is hand, foot and mouth disease in children highly contagious?

Hand, foot and mouth disease in young children is highly contagious, especially in places where children gather, such as nurseries and kindergartens. The virus can be spread through saliva, feces and contact with contaminated objects. During the high-incidence season, special attention should be paid to hygiene protection, avoiding contact with infected cases and focusing on improving immunity.

1. The infectiousness and transmission routes of hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie virus and EV71 virus. It is mainly spread through droplets, contact with secretions of infected patients such as saliva, feces or contaminated objects. It is especially prone to outbreaks in summer and autumn. Young children's immune systems are not yet mature, so the risk of infection is higher. If there are sick children in the family, the virus may also be transmitted to other family members or relatives and friends through sharing daily necessities such as toys and towels.

2. How to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease

1. Wash your hands frequently: educate children to wash their hands with soap or hand sanitizer before meals, after going to the toilet, and after returning home; adults should also wash their hands after caring for young children, handling diapers or feces.

2 Disinfected items: Toys, tableware, and towels that children often touch should be regularly cleaned with boiling water or disinfectant to prevent the virus from attaching and spreading.

3 Avoid gatherings: During the peak period, try to avoid taking children to crowded places. If there are cases in kindergartens, pay close attention to the health of children.

4. Improve immunity: Consume more foods rich in protein and vitamins on a daily basis, such as eggs, lean meat, carrots, oranges, etc. If necessary, consult a doctor whether immune enhancers can be supplemented.

3. Treatment measures after infection

1 Seek medical treatment promptly: When a child is found to have typical symptoms such as fever, herpes on the hands, feet and mouth, he or she should be taken to the hospital immediately for diagnosis and targeted medication treatment.

2 Isolation and protection: Sick children need to rest at home and be isolated from healthy children. The isolation period is usually one week after the symptoms completely disappear.

3. Symptomatic care: If the child has a fever, antipyretics can be given as prescribed by the doctor; when oral ulcers are obvious, local anesthetic spray can be used to relieve pain; ensure adequate water intake and choose light, soft liquid food, such as porridge, fruit juice, etc.

Preventing hand, foot and mouth disease in young children requires the joint efforts of parents, schools and medical institutions, with the focus on cutting off the transmission route and improving children's own immunity. Once infected or suspected symptoms appear, seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid spreading. During the peak period of the epidemic, we need to be more vigilant and strictly implement various protective measures to protect children's healthy growth.