Core Viewpoint - Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease in children caused by enteroviruses, characterized by sores or ulcers in the mouth, hands, and feet, with most cases self-resolving within a week. However, severe cases can develop, necessitating immediate medical attention if symptoms like persistent high fever or seizures occur [1] Group 1: Misconceptions about HFMD - Misconception 1: Once infected, children have lifelong immunity. There are over 30 serotypes of enteroviruses causing HFMD, and no cross-immunity exists, meaning children can be reinfected by different serotypes [2] - Misconception 2: Only children under 5 are at risk. HFMD can affect individuals of all ages, including older children, adolescents, and adults, with an increasing trend of cases in those over 5 years old [3] - Misconception 3: The number of sores indicates severity. The severity of HFMD is not directly related to the number of sores; severe cases may present with few sores but significant symptoms like high fever and lethargy [4] Group 2: Prevention and Treatment - Misconception 4: Alcohol wipes are effective for prevention. Enteroviruses are resistant to alcohol, and effective disinfection requires chlorine-based disinfectants or heat treatment [5][6] - Misconception 5: Vaccination guarantees safety. Even after receiving the EV-A71 vaccine, children should continue preventive measures during outbreak seasons, as the vaccine does not cover all serotypes [7] - Misconception 6: Antibiotics or antiviral medications can expedite recovery. HFMD is a self-limiting viral infection with no specific antiviral treatment; antibiotics are ineffective and can lead to resistance [8][9] Group 3: Infection Transmission and Hospitalization - Misconception 7: Kissing children does not transmit HFMD. Adults can carry the virus asymptomatically, and close contact can lead to transmission, making hygiene practices essential [10] - Misconception 8: All infected children require hospitalization. Mild cases can be managed at home with monitoring, reserving hospital resources for severe cases that exhibit critical symptoms [11]