Will hand, foot, and mouth disease recur after recovery?
Disease description:
My daughter is 7 years old. She was recently diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and has improved following treatment. I would like to know whether HFMD can recur after recovery.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xie Zixing
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) may recur after recovery, although the likelihood is low. HFMD is typically caused by infection with enteroviruses. Clinically, multiple types of enteroviruses exist, and these viruses do not confer cross-protection against one another. Therefore, reinfection with a different enterovirus strain can lead to recurrence of HFMD. After recovery, patients should maintain good hygiene and modify unhealthy lifestyle habits. Routine monitoring of body temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate is recommended; if any abnormalities arise, prompt follow-up consultation is essential.
