Do Adults Also Get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Question

Recently, a class of children has been affected by hand, foot, and mouth disease, and it is heard that the disease is highly contagious. If adults come into contact with infected children, are they also at risk of infection, and could they potentially transmit the virus to other children?

Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is most common in children aged between six months and six years, with infants under three years old being most susceptible. Generally, children over six years of age and adults are less likely to be infected. However, if adults come into contact with a child suffering from hand, foot, and mouth disease and do not pay attention to personal hygiene upon returning home, there is still a possibility of transmitting the virus to younger children in the household through contact or droplets. Therefore, adults should enhance hand hygiene and ensure adequate hydration to reduce the risk of transmission.