Sick Note for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Adults
HFMD isn't just for toddlers. Adults can get it too — and it's painful, contagious, and can prevent you from working for days. Here's what you need to know.
## Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Adults
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is commonly associated with young children, but adults can contract it too — often from their own kids. In adults, HFMD can be more severe and debilitating than in children.
### Adult HFMD Symptoms
- Painful blisters on hands, feet, and inside the mouth
- Sore throat making eating and drinking difficult
- Fever (38-39°C)
- Fatigue and body aches
- Painful rash on hands and feet (can affect gripping and walking)
- Mouth ulcers making speaking painful
### Why HFMD Prevents Working
- **Painful hand blisters** — cannot type, grip tools, or handle objects
- **Foot blisters** — painful to walk or stand
- **Mouth ulcers** — painful to speak, eat, or drink
- **Contagious** — risk of spreading to coworkers
- **Fever** — general malaise and fatigue
### Contagious Period
HFMD is most contagious during the **first week of illness**, particularly while blisters are present. The virus can be shed in stool for weeks after recovery.
### Who Should Stay Home
- **Healthcare workers** — high risk of spreading to vulnerable patients
- **Childcare/education workers** — risk of spreading to children
- **Food service workers** — hygiene concerns
- **Anyone with active blisters** — contagious and painful
### How Long to Stay Off Work
Most adults need **5-10 days** off work with HFMD:
- Days 1-3: Fever, developing blisters, most contagious
- Days 3-7: Blisters at peak, very painful
- Days 7-10: Blisters crusting over, pain reducing
- Day 10+: Usually safe to return when blisters have crusted
### Getting Documentation
MedLetter provides absence documentation for HFMD:
1. Describe your symptoms and when they started
2. Note your occupation (especially if healthcare, childcare, or food service)
3. A licensed physician reviews your submission
4. Receive documentation via email — no risk of spreading the virus at a clinic
### When to Seek In-Person Care
Visit a clinic if:
- You cannot swallow fluids (dehydration risk)
- Fever exceeds 39°C and doesn't respond to medication
- Blisters become infected (increasing redness, pus, warmth)
- You develop neck stiffness or severe headache
- Symptoms worsen after day 5
**Important:** MedLetter provides documentation for work absences only. If you need treatment or are experiencing severe symptoms, please visit your physician.
[Get Your Documentation →](/get-started/sick_note)