Can Adults Get Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

Most people associate hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) with little kids — the ones under 5, mostly. The ones who put everything in their mouths.

But adults can get it, too, especially if they’re around young children or have a weakened immune system.

“Most healthy adults tend to have milder symptoms than children, and some don’t show symptoms at all,” says family medicine physician Neha Vyas, MD. “But they can still spread it to others.”

Here’s what you need to know about what hand, foot and mouth disease means for adults.

Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth in adults

The symptoms of HFMD are similar in kids and adults. But because symptoms may not be as obvious in adults, the illness can be easily mistaken for something else.

The disease typically begins similarly to other viral illnesses. You might feel at first like you’re coming down with a cold. Later, a telltale rash starts to appear — but not always.

“Kids usually get the pus-filled blisters (vesicles) that are a dead giveaway for HFMD, but adults don’t always get them," Dr. Vyas clarifies. “So, when adults have hand, foot and mouth disease, it often goes unrecognized.”

HFMD stages

HFMD tends to progress in two predictable stages.

During the first stage, you’ll typically experience flu-like symptoms, like:

• Mild fever
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Little appetite

These early symptoms fade after a few days and are followed by blisters on your hands, feet, mouth and other places (hence the name of the disease). You may experience:

• An itchy rash on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, knees, elbows, genitals or butt cheeks
• Painful, blister-like mouth sores
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck

“It’s usually a self-limiting illness, which means it gets better on its own,” Dr. Vyas explains. “Most people recover within seven to 10 days.”

Still, your symptoms may linger longer, and lesions can last for several weeks.

Treating HFMD in adults

There’s no specific medication to treat HFMD. Instead, the focus is on easing your symptoms until the illness runs its course.

“There’s not much a doctor can give you to make the virus go away faster,” Dr. Vyas says. “But we can help you manage symptoms and make sure there aren’t any complications.”

Try:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®)
• Numbing spray or mouthwash to relieve the pain
• Cold drinks or popsicles to soothe mouth sores
• Saltwater rinses
• Rest and hydration
• Avoiding spicy or acidic foods, which can make mouth sores worse

HFMD prevention

Good hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease. The virus spreads through saliva, mucus, poop and fluid from blisters, so handwashing is key — especially after changing diapers, wiping noses or using the bathroom.

Dr. Vyas also suggests taking the following actions:

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including children’s toys.
• Avoid sharing utensils, drinks or towels.
• Stay home if you or others in your family are sick.

“Hand, foot and mouth disease is very contagious, especially in households with young children,” Dr. Vyas reminds us. “If someone has it, it’s important to sanitize surfaces and practice good hygiene to avoid spreading it around.”

And even if you don’t feel any symptoms of infection, you can still pass the virus along to others.

“You can be contagious before you ever feel symptoms,” she adds. So, it’s smart to stay cautious, especially around people who are more vulnerable to infection.

When to see a doctor

HFMD usually goes away on its own. But you should call your provider if you suspect you have hand, foot and mouth disease and:

• You have a high fever that lasts more than three days.
• You can’t drink enough fluids.
• Your symptoms get worse instead of better.
• You’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

“It’s rare, but in people with weakened immune systems, HFMD can lead to complications, like viral meningitis,” Dr. Vyas warns. “So, if you’re not getting better, don’t hesitate to get checked out.” And seek care quickly if you’re pregnant, have cancer or are otherwise at risk for complications from viral illnesses.

Hand, foot and mouth disease isn’t just for kids. So, if it’s making its way around your house or your child’s school or daycare, know that you can catch it — and pass it to others, too.