Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Adults
Hello everyone! I'm a 21-year-old female working in a childcare setting, where an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) has recently been reported. Last Friday, after enjoying a night out with my boyfriend, I developed a high fever of 103°F. Soon after, I noticed some spots in my throat, which started to appear and spread up until Sunday. Fortunately, these spots are flat and not oozing. Since Saturday morning, I’ve been without a fever, even without the use of medication. I’m curious about how long I should wait before I can safely spend time with my boyfriend again, especially since I still have a mouth ulcer. Just to clarify, the noticeable bump in my first image is actually a bug bite, not related to HFMD.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 3:30:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), especially considering your recent symptoms and work environment. Since you have already seen some improvement in your condition, let’s address your main points regarding safety and recovery.
Key Points:
- Symptoms and Recovery: HFMD generally resolves within a week to ten days without specific treatment. Since your fever has subsided and you are not experiencing significant new symptoms, this is a good sign.
- Contagious Period: HFMD is contagious during the first week of illness and can still be spread as long as sores are present, especially if there is fluid.
Explanation:
HFMD is typically caused by viruses that are mostly mild but can be uncomfortable due to fever and mouth sores. The presence of flat spots in your throat, along with previous fever, aligns with typical symptoms of HFMD. It's great that your fever has resolved. However, the presence of the mouth ulcer indicates that you should be cautious about exposure to others, particularly your boyfriend.
Next Steps:
- Wait at least until all sores heal: If the remaining mouth ulcer shows signs of healing and you don't develop new symptoms, you may consider resuming close contact after about 5-7 days from the onset of your symptoms.
- Hygiene first: Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing and avoiding sharing utensils, until all ulcers and spots are completely gone.
- Monitor your condition: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If there are any worsening signs, such as difficulty swallowing, persistent fever, or the development of new sores, adjust your plans accordingly.
In summary, you should wait until the sores have healed to protect your boyfriend from potential transmission, while maintaining diligent hygiene practices. Let me know if you have further questions or if your symptoms change!
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