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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease Contagious?

I am a college instructor and one of my former students just came in to tell me she has hand, foot, and mouth disease. She visited last week and gave me a hug...she is worried that I may catch it. Is there a chance? I understand that this mainly affects children. Thank you, Amy Alday-Murray M.Ed.
Thu, 28 Feb 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Hand-foot-mouth disease is a viral infection and is contagious. I think it takes more than a hug to have the infection. It is mostly spread by droplets we release when we talk or cough/sneeze. If you have been talking for a while or even shaking hands (if she has covered her cough with the hand) may cause you to get the infection.

Hand-foot-mouth disease mostly affects children but it might also affect adults. The good news is that it is generally a self limiting condition and most of the patients are better in a week without any specific treatment but rest and taking plenty of fluids and some pain killers.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
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Is Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease Contagious?

Hi, Hand-foot-mouth disease is a viral infection and is contagious. I think it takes more than a hug to have the infection. It is mostly spread by droplets we release when we talk or cough/sneeze. If you have been talking for a while or even shaking hands (if she has covered her cough with the hand) may cause you to get the infection. Hand-foot-mouth disease mostly affects children but it might also affect adults. The good news is that it is generally a self limiting condition and most of the patients are better in a week without any specific treatment but rest and taking plenty of fluids and some pain killers. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician