Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness causing a rash with spots or blisters on the hands and feet, and often painful mouth sores. While frequently associated with young children, this contagious infection can also affect adults. Individuals of any age can contract HFMD, challenging the common perception that it is solely a childhood ailment.
Why Adults Can Get It
Adults can contract Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease because immunity to the viruses that cause it is strain-specific. HFMD is most commonly caused by coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71, though other strains can also be responsible. If an adult has not been exposed to a specific strain, or if their immunity from a past infection has waned, they remain susceptible. This allows for multiple infections throughout life, especially when encountering a new viral strain.
How Adults Contract Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
The viruses responsible for HFMD are highly contagious and spread through close contact. Transmission occurs via direct contact with nose and throat discharges (saliva, nasal mucus) or respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Contact with fluid from blisters or the stool of an infected person can also transmit the virus. Adults frequently contract HFMD when caring for infected children, as the virus can linger on contaminated surfaces like toys or doorknobs.
Symptoms in Adults
Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in adults are similar to those in children, but can be more severe or prolonged. Initial signs include fever, sore throat, and a general feeling of being unwell, sometimes with reduced appetite. This is followed by painful mouth sores on the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. A characteristic rash, sometimes with blister-like lesions, emerges on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and occasionally on other areas like the buttocks or groin. Adults may experience more intense pain from mouth sores, making eating and drinking difficult, and the rash can be more widespread or pronounced than in pediatric cases.
Treatment and Recovery for Adults
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease; management focuses on alleviating symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce fever and discomfort. For painful mouth sores, topical oral anesthetics or gargling with saltwater may provide relief. Staying well-hydrated is important, especially if mouth sores make swallowing painful, and consuming soft foods is beneficial. Most adults recover within 7 to 10 days, though some may experience symptoms for up to two weeks.
Stopping the Spread
Preventing the spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease relies on good hygiene practices. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water is important, particularly after using the restroom, changing diapers, or touching contaminated surfaces. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs and shared toys, helps eliminate the virus. Avoiding close personal contact, including hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils, with infected individuals can reduce transmission risk. If symptomatic, staying home from work or public places helps prevent further spread of the virus.