How do you get hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood infectious disease with frequent outbreaks worldwide in recent years. Understanding its transmission routes and preventive measures are critical to protecting children's health. The following is a detailed analysis of hand, foot and mouth disease.
1. Causes of hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is mainly caused by enteroviruses, the most common pathogens beingCoxsackievirus A16 (Cox A16)andEnterovirus 71 (EV71). These viruses are spread through a variety of ways and can cause symptoms such as fever, mouth ulcers, and rashes on the hands and feet after infection.
| Virus type | Common symptoms | Transmission route |
|---|---|---|
| Coxsackie virus type A16 | Mild fever, mouth ulcers, rash on hands and feet | Droplet, contact transmission |
| Enterovirus 71 | High fever, neurological symptoms (severe) | Fecal-oral, droplet transmission |
2. Transmission routes of hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is mainly spread through the following ways:
| Transmission route | Specific methods | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| droplet spread | droplets when a patient coughs or sneezes | Wear a mask and maintain social distance |
| contact spread | Contact with patient secretions or contaminated items | Wash hands frequently and disinfect items |
| Fecal-oral transmission | Contact with water or food contaminated with patient feces | Pay attention to food hygiene |
3. High-risk groups for hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is more common inChildren under 5 years old, especially children in group settings such as child care institutions and schools. The following are statistics for high-risk groups:
| age group | Incidence | Severe disease proportion |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 years old | highest | about 5% |
| 3-5 years old | second highest | about 2% |
| 6 years and above | lower | rare |
4. Preventive measures for hand, foot and mouth disease
The key to preventing hand, foot and mouth disease is to cut off transmission routes and enhance immunity:
1.personal hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before meals, after using the toilet and when returning from going out.
2.Environmental disinfection: Disinfect toys, tableware and other items regularly.
3.avoid contact: Reduce going to crowded places during high-incidence seasons.
4.Get vaccinated: EV71 vaccine can effectively prevent severe hand, foot and mouth disease.
5. Treatment of hand, foot and mouth disease
There are currently no specific antiviral drugs, and treatment is mainly symptomatic support:
| Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Fever | Physical cooling or antipyretics |
| Oral ulcers | Topical spray relieves pain |
| dehydration | Replenish electrolyte solution |
If severe symptoms such as persistent high fever, vomiting or convulsions occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Hand, foot and mouth disease is common but should not be taken lightly. By understanding its mode of transmission, high-risk groups and preventive measures, the risk of infection can be effectively reduced. Parents and childcare institutions should work together to protect themselves and build a healthy barrier for their children.
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