Adults can indeed get hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), although it is much more common in young children. While children under seven are the primary group affected, adults can catch the virus, especially if they have not been exposed to the particular strain before or if their immunity has waned. When adults do get HFMD, their symptoms tend to be milder but can still include painful mouth sores, skin rashes or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes other parts of the body like the torso or buttocks.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by viruses from the enterovirus group, most commonly the coxsackievirus. It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, mucus, blister fluid, or stool from an infected person. It can also spread by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, like toys, doorknobs, or utensils. Because of this, HFMD is highly contagious, especially in environments where close contact is common, such as daycare centers, schools, or households with young children.
The disease typically begins with a mild fever and sore throat, followed by the appearance of red spots or blisters. These blisters are often found on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and inside the mouth, but they can also appear on knees, elbows, the torso, or the buttocks. The mouth sores can be particularly painful, making it uncomfortable to eat or drink. In children, this can sometimes lead to dehydration if they avoid fluids due to pain. Adults may experience similar symptoms but usually with less severity.
One important aspect of HFMD is that even after symptoms improve, the infected person can continue to shed the virus for several days or even weeks. This means they can still be contagious and potentially spread the virus to others. The virus can also survive on surfaces for some time, which is why thorough cleaning and disinfecting of commonly touched objects and surfaces is crucial in preventing transmission.
Good hygiene practices are the best defense against HFMD. Regular and thorough handwashing, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, or before eating, helps reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus. Avoiding sharing cups, utensils, or towels with someone who is infected also lowers the chance of transmission. If an adult develops symptoms of HFMD, it is advisable to stay home from work or social activities to prevent spreading the infection to others.
There is no specific cure or antiviral treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Management focuses on relieving symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease pain. Drinking cool liquids or eating cold foods like popsicles can soothe mouth sores. Maintaining hydration is especially important, particularly for children who may be reluctant to drink due to mouth pain.
While HFMD is uncomfortable and contagious, it is generally a mild illness that resolves on its own within about a week to ten days. Serious complications are rare but can occur, especially in very young children or individuals with weakened immune systems. Adults who contract HFMD usually recover without complications, but they should still take care to avoid spreading the virus to others, particularly children.
In summary, adults can get hand, foot, and mouth disease, though it is less common and often less severe than in children. The disease spreads easily through close contact and contaminated surfaces, and good hygiene is essential to prevent infection. Symptom management and avoiding contact with others while contagious are key to handling HFMD in adults.
