Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common disease in children, with the highest incidence especially in preschoolers and age groups under 3 years. Understanding hand, foot and mouth disease Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by enteroviruses. There are more than 20 types of enteroviruses that cause HFMD, among which human enterovirus 71 (EV-71) or coxsackievirus A16 (CA-16) infections are the most common, and humans are the only host of human enteroviruses. Transmission HFMD can be transmitted through the gastrointestinal tract (fecal-oral route), through the respiratory tract (droplets, sneezing, etc.), or through contact with the patient’s oral and nasal secretions, skin or mucosal herpes fluid, and contaminated hands and objects. Most children with HFMD complain of sore throat or mouth pain, while younger children only cry, salivate and refuse to eat as the main manifestations. Examination of the oral cavity may reveal multiple pinpoint to 1 mm sized herpes on the isthmus of the pharynx or isthmus, gingiva or tongue, some of which fuse to form blisters and then become ulcers. In addition, on the hands and feet, multiple firm rashes consisting of a mixture of papules and herpes, surrounded by a red halo, may be seen. The palms of the hands or soles of the feet can sometimes be seen, and when the rash is numerous, it can extend to the extremities and around the buttocks and anus. In milder cases, the rash usually subsides after 7-10 days. Some children with severe HFMD may present directly with startled jumping (symptoms similar to being startled), recurrent convulsions (i.e., seizures), shock or even multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, and in severe cases, pulmonary hemorrhage (coughing up pink frothy sputum). Severe cases of HFMD start with pulmonary hemorrhage (coughing up pink frothy sputum) and the appearance of such symptoms even precedes the rash, but the test is positive for EV-71 antibodies in venous blood or positive for EV-71 in anal swabs. The disease may start rapidly and progress rapidly in children with severe HFMD, and may progress within a short period of time in severe cases. Children should wash their hands thoroughly with soap or hand sanitizer before and after meals and after going out, not drink raw water, not allow children to eat raw and cold food, and avoid contact with children who have been diagnosed. Caregivers should change diapers before and after contact with children; bottles and pacifiers should be disinfected by boiling after being fully washed; children should not be taken to crowded places as much as possible during the epidemic season; and rooms should be frequently ventilated. Children with mild HFMD do not need to be hospitalized and can be treated at home in isolation and rest. It is recommended that children with persistent high fever that does not subside or with frequent jumping should seek immediate medical attention and be hospitalized to avoid delaying the best time for rescue.