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<h2>What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? 
</h2>
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious disease commonly found in children, especially those under 5 years old. It often outbreaks during the rainy season. The cause is from a group of viruses called “Enteroviruses” (Enterovirus) which have many strains. Most infected individuals usually do not have severe symptoms. In cases where encephalitis occurs, it is often caused by “Enterovirus 71” or “EV 71”, which can cause severe symptoms and death.
<h2>How is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Transmitted? 
</h2>
The virus mostly spreads through the digestive and respiratory systems. Hand, foot, and mouth disease can be transmitted directly by contact with the mucus, saliva, or feces of an infected person, and indirectly through contact with contaminated toys, utensils, caregivers&#8217; hands, water, and food. The disease often outbreaks in schools with kindergarten children, toddlers, or daycare centers. The incubation period is about 1 week, so patients can spread the virus even before showing symptoms.
<h2>What are the Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? 
</h2>
Children with hand, foot, and mouth disease will have fever, mouth pain, drooling, and reduced appetite due to sores in the cheeks and palate. There are red spots or clear blisters on the palms, soles, around the buttocks, and genital area. Rash may also appear on the body, arms, and legs. Symptoms usually last about 2-3 days and improve until recovery within 1 week. Most symptoms are not severe, but some cases may experience dehydration from reduced food and water intake.
Generally, hand, foot, and mouth disease is not serious and can recover on its own. Severe cases are usually caused by EV 71 virus, which can cause encephalitis along with respiratory and circulatory failure, leading to rapid death. Children with severe symptoms often have high fever, lethargy, weakness, hand tremors, unsteady walking, frequent vomiting, labored breathing, and seizures. If these symptoms are observed, immediate medical attention is required.
<h2>How is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Treated? 
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There is no specific medication for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Treatment is symptomatic, including fever reducers, pain relievers, topical anesthetics for mouth sores, and electrolyte drinks to compensate for dehydration. Children with severe symptoms or complications need close medical care.
<h2>How to Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? 
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Currently, there is a vaccine that prevents this disease, protecting against the EV 71 strain up to 97%. However, it cannot prevent other strains of hand, foot, and mouth disease viruses.
Therefore, important prevention measures that should not be overlooked include isolating infected patients from other children. Adults caring for children should frequently wash their hands to prevent transmission to other children. Regularly clean toys and the environment daily. Cleaning with soap, detergent, or general cleaning agents can eliminate the virus. Care should be taken with the cleanliness of water, food, and items that children may put in their mouths. Schools should not allow sick children to attend until fully recovered to prevent spreading the virus.
Parents should take their sick children to see a doctor for treatment and follow the doctor&#8217;s advice. They should also inform the school or places the child has visited during the infection period. Children should stay home until fully recovered, which takes at least 5-7 days. Although the disease can recover on its own, watch for warning signs of complications as mentioned above.
Currently, there is a hand, foot, and mouth disease vaccine specifically targeting Enterovirus 71, the virus that causes severe symptoms, especially encephalitis. However, it cannot be used to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by other enteroviruses, Coxsackie viruses, or other viruses.
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Dr. Renuka Charaspongpisut 
Pediatric Neurology Specialist 
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital

Hand, foot, and mouth virus spreads through the digestive and respiratory systems from contact with the mucus, saliva, or feces of infected patients, or through contact with contaminated toys, caregivers' hands, water, and food.

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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Awareness and Prevention of Complications

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