Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness primarily affecting young children, but adults can also contract it. Its presentation in adults often differs from childhood cases, raising questions about its severity. This article details how HFMD impacts adults, including symptoms, potential complications, and prevention strategies.
Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a contagious viral infection primarily caused by enteroviruses, most commonly Coxsackievirus A16. Other strains, such as Coxsackievirus A6 and Enterovirus 71, can also cause outbreaks. It is highly prevalent in settings with young children, like daycares, due to its easy transmission.
The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s nasal secretions, saliva, blister fluid, or stool, and through respiratory droplets. Contaminated surfaces can also transmit the virus. Symptoms usually develop within 3 to 6 days of exposure and typically resolve within 7 to 10 days.
How HFMD Affects Adults Differently
While HFMD is often considered a mild childhood ailment, its presentation in adults can be notably different and more severe. Adults may experience more intense symptoms than children, or they might even be asymptomatic yet still contagious. A heightened immune response in adults may contribute to increased symptom severity. Exposure to certain viral strains, such as Coxsackievirus A6, can also lead to more pronounced illness.
Common symptoms in adults include a higher fever, severe sore throat, significant body aches, and malaise. The characteristic painful, itchy rash may appear on the palms, soles, and inside the mouth. In adults, the rash can extend to other areas like the buttocks, groin, face, arms, or legs. Mouth sores, known as herpangina, can be particularly painful, making eating and drinking difficult. Symptom duration may also be prolonged, with some experiencing lingering issues like foot lesions for several weeks.
Potential Complications in Adults
While HFMD is typically self-limiting, certain rare complications can occur and may be more concerning in adults. Dehydration is a common issue, stemming from painful mouth sores that deter adequate fluid intake. The virus can also lead to neurological complications, including viral or aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes) and, rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation).
Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, is another rare complication. Onychomadesis, the shedding of fingernails or toenails, is a less common but notable effect, typically occurring weeks after the initial infection. These infrequent complications underscore the potential for more serious outcomes in adults. Individuals with compromised immune systems face an elevated risk of severe symptoms and complications from HFMD.
Treatment and Prevention Strategies
There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD; management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further spread. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage fever and body aches. Staying well-hydrated is important, as painful mouth sores can make swallowing difficult. Soothing mouth rinses, like saltwater gargles or numbing mouthwashes, can provide relief for oral discomfort. Consuming soft foods and avoiding hot, spicy, or acidic items can also reduce irritation to mouth sores.
Preventive measures are crucial to limit HFMD spread. Frequent, thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is highly effective, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, or before eating. Avoid close contact, such as hugging or kissing, with infected individuals. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, like doorknobs and countertops, to eliminate viral particles. Adults with symptoms should stay home from work to prevent transmitting the virus, as individuals can remain contagious for days or weeks after symptoms subside. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, do not improve within 7 to 10 days, or if signs of dehydration or neurological symptoms like a severe headache or stiff neck develop.