How is hand, foot, and mouth disease spread?

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?

Question
Several children in our school have hand, foot, and mouth disease and were told that it would be ok to turn to school with blisters. Can adults also get this disease?

What would the symptoms be in an adult?

Answer
Let me start by saying that hand, foot and mouth disease in humans has nothing whatsoever to do with foot and mouth in cattle.

Hand, foot and mouth in humans is caused by the coxsackie virus, creating a mild infection that spreads in much the same way that cold viruses and viruses causing upper respiratory tract infections are spread, which is through direct contact and droplets of virus particles in the atmosphere.

Usually, the infection is so mild that no fever is produced and patients often never realise they are harbouring it.

Often the only signs are tiny unbroken blisters on the hands, feet and in the mouth. Although the blisters can sometimes be tender in those areas, it is unusual.

Adults can get the disease but again symptoms are very mild and most adults are immune to the virus once they have previously been exposed to it.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team