A member asked:

My granddaughter has hand foot and mouth disease. can adults catch the disease if the immune system is comprised?

5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Lori Semel answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Yes: There are many different strains of coxsackie virus, so it is not impossible for an adult to catch it even if they are not immunocompromised. Good handwashing hygeine and dont share utensils or cups.

Answered 9/27/2014

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YES: Hand foot and mouth disease is a viral illness not to be confused with the cattle illness hoof and mouth. It is contagious and an adult can get it if he or she has not had a previous infection with the virus or if immunosuppressed. It is a self limited illness that only on very rare occasions can cause serious complications .

Answered 9/28/2016

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Yes: There are 2-3 strains of virus that give the pattern.Most will have any or all strains in childhood and be immune as adults.It does not always give the blisters in all patients. I see occasional adults reporting they got it after their kid went through it, but 95 of 100 cases will be kids.

Answered 9/24/2014

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