Isolation Duration for Adults with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Adults with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) should remain in isolation for 7-10 days from symptom onset, with return to work or normal activities permitted only after the acute phase has resolved. 1
Recommended Isolation Period
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding close contact with others for 7 days from symptom onset, though patients should be considered potentially contagious for 10-14 days in some cases. 1
Return to work should occur only after the acute phase has resolved, typically 7-10 days after symptom onset. 1
Lesions typically resolve within 7-10 days, which aligns with the recommended isolation period. 2
Infection Control During Isolation
While isolated, adults with HFMD must adhere to strict hygiene measures:
Frequent handwashing with soap and water is essential, as this is one of the best methods to prevent spread. 1, 2
Use separate towels and pillows to prevent household transmission. 1
Proper hand hygiene is especially important after contact with respiratory secretions or blister fluid. 1
Multiple-use items and surfaces that come into contact with infected individuals should be properly disinfected, as enteroviruses can remain infectious in a desiccated state on surfaces for extended periods. 1
Special Considerations for Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers and childcare providers with HFMD should be especially cautious about avoiding contact with others due to high potential for transmission. 1
In healthcare settings, patients diagnosed with HFMD should be placed in isolation with appropriate precautions. 1
Transmission Characteristics
Understanding the contagious nature helps justify the isolation duration:
HFMD is transmitted by fecal-oral, oral-oral, and respiratory droplet contact. 2
The incubation period is 3-10 days before symptoms appear. 3
Adults can be affected, particularly with newer strains like coxsackievirus A6, which may cause more severe symptoms and affect broader demographics than typical HFMD. 4, 5
Clinical Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not allow return to work or school based solely on feeling better—wait until the full 7-10 day period has elapsed and the acute phase has resolved. 1
Do not underestimate transmission risk in adults, as newer viral strains are increasingly affecting adult populations with potentially more severe manifestations. 4, 5
Do not rely on antiviral treatment, as none is available; management is purely supportive. 2, 3