Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is usually associated with young children, but adults get hand, foot, and mouth disease too. Adults may develop fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet, although symptoms can be mild or look different from the typical childhood pattern.
HFMD is caused by enteroviruses and spreads through close contact, respiratory secretions, blister fluid, stool, and contaminated surfaces.
If you develop a new rash with fever or painful mouth sores, especially after exposure to someone with HFMD, an evaluation can help determine whether HFMD or another illness may be responsible.
Can Adults Get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Yes. Although HFMD is most common in infants and young children, adults can become infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that anyone can get HFMD. Adults may be less likely than children to become ill or have milder symptoms because prior exposure to enteroviruses can provide some immunity.
HFMD is caused by several viruses in the enterovirus family. Coxsackievirus A16 is a common cause in the United States, while other coxsackieviruses can also cause the illness. Coxsackievirus A6 has been associated with more severe or unusual presentations, and enterovirus A71 has also been associated with HFMD.
A previous childhood illness does not guarantee lifelong protection against every virus that can cause HFMD. Different enteroviruses circulate, and an adult who has not developed immunity to a particular virus may still become infected.
Adult cases can also look different from the classic childhood presentation. A 2023 review of an adult HFMD case noted that adult illness can sometimes present with fever, sore throat, and a rash that may initially resemble other viral or dermatologic conditions.
What Can HFMD Look Like in Adults
Mouth Sores, Fever, and Skin Changes
The typical symptoms of HFMD include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Feeling tired or generally unwell
- Painful mouth sores or blisters
- Red spots or a rash on the hands and feet
- Rash that may also appear on the arms, legs, buttocks, or around the mouth
The CDC describes mouth sores as small red spots that can blister and become painful. Skin lesions may appear as flat or slightly raised red spots, sometimes with blisters.
Adults do not necessarily develop every symptom. Some may have a relatively mild illness, while others can have a more noticeable rash or painful oral symptoms. CDC information on non-polio enteroviruses also notes that adults are less likely than children to have symptoms, but when symptoms occur, they may include fever, rash, mouth blisters, and body or muscle aches.
The appearance of HFMD can also vary. An adult case report described lesions that began around the mouth and later involved the palms and soles, demonstrating why FHMD does not always follow a single predictable pattern in adults.
Because skin findings can vary from person to person and across skin tones, a photograph alone should not be used to diagnose HFMD.
Conditions That May Look Similar
A rash accompanied by fever or mouth sores can have several possible causes. Other viral infections, allergic reactions, medication-related skin reactions, and other conditions can sometimes resemble HFMD.
Adult HFMD may be particularly difficult to recognize when the rash is unusual or when the person does not have a known exposure to an infected child. Medical literature describes adult HFMD as sometimes having atypical presentations that can overlap with other illnesses.
A healthcare professional may consider your symptoms, the location and appearance of the rash, recent exposures, and other relevant health information when determining what may be causing your symptoms.
How Does It Spread at Home and Work
HFMD is contagious and can spread easily between people.
According to the CDC, the viruses that cause HFMD can spread through:
- Respiratory droplets and secretions from coughing, sneezing, or talking
- Close contact, such as kissing or hugging
- Saliva or nasal mucus
- Fluid from blisters
- Contact with stool, including during diaper changes
- Contaminated objects and surfaces
- Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with the virus
This means an adult may become infected after caring for a sick child, living with someone who has HFMD, or having close contact with an infected person.
Good hygiene can reduce the chance of spreading the virus. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, particularly after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or caring for someone who is sick. Frequently touched surfaces and shared objects should also be cleaned and disinfected.
Feeling better does not necessarily mean the virus can no longer spread. The CDC notes that people are usually most contagious during the first week of illness but may continue spreading the virus for days or weeks after symptoms disappear. Some people can also spread enteroviruses without having symptoms.
What Can Help During Recovery
There is no specific treatment that eliminates the viruses responsible for HFMD. Most people recover with supportive care while the illness runs its course.
During recovery, adults can focus on:
- Drinking enough to maintain hydration
- Getting adequate rest
- Choosing foods and drinks that are comfortable when mouth sores are painful
- Avoiding close contact with people who may be especially vulnerable to infection
- Washing hands regularly
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces and shared items
Painful mouth sores can make drinking difficult. If you cannot take in enough fluids, watch for possible signs of dehydration and seek medical advice.
Medication choices should also be considered based on your health history and other medicines you may take. A healthcare professional can help determine what is appropriate for your symptoms.
Because HFMD is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not treat the underlying infection.
When Should an Adult Seek Medical Care
Many cases of HFMD are mild, but an adult with a new rash, fever, or painful mouth sores may benefit from an evaluation, especially when the cause is unclear.
Consider arranging medical care if:
- Your symptoms are severe or getting worse
- Painful mouth sores make it difficult to drink
- You are concerned about dehydration
- You have a persistent or significant fever
- Your rash is spreading or has an unusual appearance
- You have symptoms that are not improving as expected
- You have a weakened immune system
- You are unsure whether your symptoms are HFMD or another condition
At Zenith Primary & Urgent Care, we provide urgent care for non-life-threatening illnesses, rashes, mouth sores, fever, and other common symptoms in Marlborough, MA. Our providers see adults and children and can evaluate symptoms that may be consistent with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) or other conditions with similar symptoms.
At Zenith Urgent Care, we serve patients throughout the MetroWest area, including Ashland, Berlin, Bolton, Framingham, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Maynard, Northborough, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough.
If you develop a new rash, fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, or other symptoms that may be consistent with HFMD, an urgent care evaluation can help assess your symptoms and determine whether further care is appropriate. Call 617-500-7933 or visit our Marlborough walk-in clinic for urgent care information and current access instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get HFMD from my child?
Yes. Adults can become infected after close contact with a child who has HFMD. The virus can spread through respiratory secretions, saliva, blister fluid, stool, contaminated surfaces, and close personal contact.
Can adults have HFMD without a rash?
Yes. Adults may have milder or less typical symptoms. CDC information notes that adults are less likely than children to develop symptoms from non-polio enteroviruses, and symptoms can vary when illness occurs.
A fever, sore throat, or mouth sores without a typical hand-and-foot rash do not automatically rule HFMD in or out. Other illnesses can cause similar symptoms.
Can I return to work while symptoms are improving?
There is no simple rule that applies to every workplace or situation. HFMD can remain contagious even after symptoms improve. The CDC notes that people can continue to spread the virus for days or weeks after symptoms go away.
If you work closely with children, older adults, or people with health conditions, ask a healthcare professional about precautions appropriate for your situation and follow your workplace’s infection-control policies.
Can someone get HFMD more than once?
Yes, having HFMD once does not guarantee protection against all viruses that can cause the disease. HFMD can be caused by several different enteroviruses, including different coxsackieviruses.
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