Phil Kieran: How do I stop my toddler getting hand, foot, and mouth disease again?

Hand, foot and mouth disease typically occurs in children younger than five and is highly contagious. It is caused by enteroviruses (usually the Coxsackie virus) and can be caused by a number of different strains

Young children often have their hands in their mouths and cough and sneeze all over each other. This is why this infection is so common in this age group.

My three-year-old picked up hand, foot and mouth disease about a month ago and has fully recovered. I've no idea how he picked it up in the first place, and I am worried he might get a recurrence. What would you suggest?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is one of the most common illnesses children get. It typically occurs in children younger than five and is highly contagious. It is caused by enteroviruses (usually the Coxsackie virus) and can be caused by a number of different strains.