Can Adults Contract This Virus Affecting Children?

Hand, foot and mouth syndrome is a benign viral infection. The viruses most frequently involved in France are ervirus the type of Coxsackie. It manifests itself as a rash on the soles of the feet, hands and lesions around and inside the mouth.

If this condition mainly affects children under 5 years old, can adults be affected? Well yes. But most healthy adults usually have milder symptoms than childrenand some show no signs.

That’s the problem: hand, foot and mouth syndrome in adults is often undiagnosedbecause its manifestations can be confused with other common conditions. While children typically develop pus-filled blisters characteristic of the disease, adults do not always develop them.

Two phases

As in children, hand, foot and mouth syndrome in adults generally develops in two distinct phases.

First phase, flu-like symptoms (mild fever, sore throat, runny nose, etc.). These disappear after a few days and are followed by the appearance of blisters. But again, this is a mild illness and most patients recover within seven to ten days.

How to treat hand, foot and mouth syndrome in adults?

There is no specific medication to treat this viral infection. Treatment is primarily aimed at relieving symptoms while waiting for the disease to run its course.

This involves taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, anesthetic sprays or mouthwashes to relieve pain, cold drinks or popsicles to soothe mouth sores, etc.

Hygiene, the best prevention

Good hygiene remains the best way to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth syndrome. As the virus is transmitted through saliva, mucus, stool, hand washing is essential, especially after changing diapers, wiping a nose or using the toilet.

With Destination Santé.

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