Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that causes, symptoms like fever, rash, and mouth sores. Though HFMD occurs most often in children, adults can get it, too, and may have different symptoms than children.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness that generally affects children under 5 years old. Caused by a virus, HFMD is characterized by fever, sore throat, rash on hands and feet, and mouth sores. It typically lasts 7 to 10 days.
Adults can also get HFMD. When they do, it is usually caused by one of three types of a common group of viruses called enteroviruses. HFMD may be more severe in adults. It may be confused with other viral illnesses, making diagnosis more difficult for some individuals.
Read on to learn more about HFMD, how it affects adults, and what to do if you think you have HFMD.
HFMD often presents differently in adults than in children. These differences can make it harder to diagnose and may lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment in adults.
The following table compares common symptoms of HFMD in adults and children.
| HFMD Symptoms | In children | In adults |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | may have a high fever | may have a fever |
| Sore throat | sore throat | may have milder sore throat |
| Malaise (feeling bad or sick) | may feel sick | may have more intense lalaise (feel worse) |
| Rash | itchy rash on hands, feet, and/or buttocks | itchy rash on hands and /or feet; may also affect the face, arms, legs, and trunk; may have no rash at all |
| Mouth sores | ulcers on the tongue or inside the mouth called herpangina | ulcers on the tongue or inside the mouth called herpangina |
HFMD may be milder in adults.
Very rarely, pregnant adults who contract HFMD may experience complications. It’s important to see your doctor if you are pregnant and develop HFMD. This may be a concern because adults who are unaware that they have HFMD may allow it to spread without knowing it.
There’s no vaccination against HFMD, but there are steps you can take to try to avoid contracting viruses in general. These steps may also help prevent other illnesses like the common cold and the flu and include:
- washing your hands with soap, often being sure to clean all your fingers and your wrists
- avoiding people who you know have HFMD if possible
- using disinfecting cleaners on surfaces in your home like countertops, doorknobs, and remote controls
- avoiding touching your mouth, nose, and eyes
Complications in adults who have HFMD are rare. If complications do occur, they may include:
- Dehydration: Dehydration may happen if your mouth sores make it more difficult to drink enough fluids.
- Viral (aseptic) meningitis: It’s very rare, but some people with HFMD can develop viral meningitis (an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain). Meningitis may require in-hospital treatment.
- Fingernail or toenail loss: This is rare and more common in children, but it can occur in adults, too. It’s unclear why it happens, but some people report loss of a toenail or fingernail within a few days or weeks after having HFMD. For most people, the nail grows back.
While individuals who contract HFMD during pregnancy are at no greater risk of complications than other adults, very rarely, individuals who are pregnant and have HFMD may have an increased risk of pregnancy complications. If you think you have HFMD or another viral infection, it’s important to see your doctor or another healthcare professional.
Even though many people recover from HFMD within a week or so, you may need to see a doctor if you think you have HFMD. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will diagnose HFMD by performing a physical examination. During this exam, your doctor will likely:
- ask about any people with symptoms of a viral illness that you may have been near
- examine any rash you have (especially on or around your mouth, feet, and hands)
- discuss other symptoms you may have, like fever, aches, or fatigue
- take a throat swab or stool sample to test for the viruses that cause HFMD
Many people need no treatment at all, getting better on their own
You may want to treat symptoms of HFMD by:
- using an over-the-counter (OTC) steroid cream if you have an itchy rash
- drinking more liquids to help prevent dehydration
- eating softer foods if you have mouth sores
- rinsing your mouth with salt water or mild mouthwash if you have mouth sores
- taking an OTC pain reliever for fever or any aches
As with any viral infection, getting enough rest can help you feel better and recover.
Most people who have HFMD recover completely within 7 to 10 days. You may need medical care if you are pregnant, have a longer-lasting or unusual rash, or if you are still sick after 10 days.
Individuals who are pregnant need to see their doctor or another healthcare professional if they have HFMD since very rarely the virus may affect the pregnancy or the fetus.
No. If you have HFMD, it is a contagious illness that can pass to others. It’s a good idea to stay home until your fever has been gone for 24 hours without the help of OTC pain relievers and any rash you have is healing.
According to the CDC, HFMD is most transmittable during the first week, so you may need to work from home or stay out of work for the first 5 to 7 days you are sick.
Can I go to work if I think I have HFMD?
No. If you have HFMD, it is
How long should I stay home if I have HFMD?
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HFMD is a common childhood viral illness, but adults can develop it, too. Adults may have milder symptoms, and that means they may inadvertently allow HFMD to transfer because they don’t know they have it.
While there are a few complications that may occur, they are very rare. Individuals who have HFMD during pregnancy need to see their doctor or healthcare professional. Very rarely, HFMD can affect a pregnant person or the fetus.
HFMD usually resolves within 7 to 10 days on its own.