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Unraveling Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: 10 Key Insights and Facts

Diseases and Conditions

4. The Immunity Enigma: Can You Get HFMD Twice?

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The Immunity Enigma Can You Get HFMD Twice
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One might assume that, like chickenpox, once you’ve had HFMD, you’re immune for life. However, the reality is a bit more complex. Since multiple viruses can cause HFMD, it’s possible to get it more than once.

When an individual contracts HFMD, they develop immunity to that specific strain of the virus. But, given the variety of viruses that can lead to HFMD, this immunity does not extend across all strains. Therefore, a person could technically contract the disease multiple times if exposed to different viral strains.

This characteristic of HFMD complicates efforts to contain and prevent the disease, especially during outbreaks. It’s also a reason why adults, even those who might have had HFMD as children, can contract it again. (4)

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Our team of medical experts has created and reviewed this article to ensure that you receive the most accurate information available, in accordance with the latest research.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431082/

2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11129-hand-foot-and-mouth-disease

3. https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/transmission.html

4. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/weekend-wellness-children-can-get-hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-more-than-once/

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9411823/

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9951172/

7. https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/complications.html

8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9820767/

9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6657964/

10. https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/prevention.html

11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6008700/

12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8515124/

13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36324457/

14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7006018/

15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-018-3206-x