Can you get hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) more than once?
Disease description:
My daughter is six years old. She previously had hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), and recently I’ve noticed symptoms suggestive of HFMD again. Is it possible to get HFMD more than once?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xie Zixing
Patients who have recovered from hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) remain susceptible to reinfection. HFMD is caused by various viruses, primarily Coxsackievirus A and Coxsackievirus B, as well as Enterovirus 71 (EV71). These viruses do not confer cross-immunity. Thus, while prior infection with Coxsackievirus A may protect against re-infection with the same serotype, it offers no protection against Coxsackievirus B or EV71—potentially leading to recurrent HFMD. To help prevent recurrence, patients should adopt preventive measures in daily life and follow a light, bland diet.
