Spring is a high incidence season for various infectious diseases, and chickenpox and hand foot mouth disease, as common infectious diseases among children and adolescents, have attracted the attention of parents. The National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a health alert, providing authoritative interpretations of the clinical manifestations, transmission characteristics, and scientific prevention and control measures of two diseases, calling on the public to raise awareness of prevention and build a strong health barrier. Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. The initial infection manifests as chickenpox, and the virus lurks in the ganglia. When the immune system is weakened, it can trigger shingles again. According to the health tips released by the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, patients usually experience a latent period of 10 to 21 days after infection, followed by symptoms similar to a cold such as fever, headache, and fatigue. People who have not been vaccinated or infected with chickenpox are susceptible. The virus is mainly transmitted through droplets (such as coughing, sneezing), and can also be transmitted through direct contact with blister fluid or contaminated items. Parents care, what are the symptoms of their children after getting chickenpox? Experts from the Institute of Virology of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the characteristics of chickenpox rash include: the rash first appears on the head and trunk, gradually spreading to the limbs; Rapidly evolving from red rashes to papules, blisters, and ultimately scabbing; The itching intensifies at night, and scratching should be avoided to prevent secondary infection. How to do a good job in prevention and disposal? Experts suggest that children can receive two doses of varicella vaccine (the first dose for ages 12 to 18 months and the second dose for ages 4 to 6 years); Patients should be isolated until all scabs form, rest at home, keep their skin clean, and avoid scratching. If symptoms such as high fever persist, rash suppuration, or blurred consciousness occur, seek medical attention immediately. Pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immunity should receive antiviral treatment as soon as possible after infection. Hand, foot and mouth disease is also a common infectious disease in spring and summer. According to monitoring data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2024, the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease in China have changed: although the epidemic intensity is relatively high, the proportion of severe cases has significantly decreased. In 2024, the proportion of severe cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in China will decrease by 97% compared to the average level between 2009 and 2019, and the epidemic intensity will show a "double peak" feature, with the first peak from May to July and the second peak from October to November. Wang Huaqing, Chief Expert of the Immunization Program at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, introduced that hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by various intestinal viruses, with typical symptoms of rashes on the hands, feet, and mouth. Children under 5 years old are the high-risk population. The early symptoms are fever, followed by oral mucosal rash and red papules or blisters on the hands and feet. Some children may also have rash on the buttocks and limbs. Most cases have mild symptoms, and a very small number may cause serious complications such as viral encephalitis. To prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease, the following six points should be taken into account: avoid contact with sick children, try not to hug, share toys, share utensils and toiletries with sick children, etc., to prevent cross infection; Maintain hand hygiene and use the "seven step washing technique" to clean your hands; Reduce gatherings; Closed public places and living spaces should be regularly ventilated to maintain air circulation; Clean and disinfect properly; Actively get vaccinated. Currently, the inactivated EV71 vaccine can effectively prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by enterovirus 71. Wang Huaqing emphasized that chickenpox and hand foot mouth disease are both preventable and controllable infectious diseases, and the core of prevention and control lies in "protecting susceptible populations, cutting off transmission routes, and controlling sources of infection". Both types of diseases have corresponding vaccines, and parents can actively complete the vaccination for their children; Childcare institutions need to strengthen monitoring, report suspected cases in a timely manner, and implement the morning and afternoon check-up system. (New Society)