Can Adults Catch the Coxsackie Virus? A Doctor Explains
Discover how the Coxsackie virus spreads, who is most at risk, and essential prevention tips, especially for travelers to coastal regions.
The so-called “Turkish virus” is most easily contracted along seaside resorts.
The Coxsackie virus has been known to the medical community since 1948, but it gained widespread attention starting in 2017, when it became a common ailment among tourists vacationing in Turkey. The virus tends to subside for periods before resurging with renewed intensity. In the fall of 2024, another significant outbreak was recorded, sparking widespread discussions about Coxsackie. Many travelers returning from Turkey have been diagnosed with the virus.
Coxsackie spreads primarily through airborne droplets and is highly contagious. Statistics show that approximately 90% of individuals who come into contact with an infected person also become carriers. Therefore, if someone nearby is sick, it’s crucial to wear masks and regularly disinfect your hands.
Transmission occurs through sneezing, sharing utensils with an infected person, and contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus is notably resistant to 70% alcohol-based disinfectants but is effectively neutralized by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.
Commonly referred to as the “Turkish virus” by the public, Coxsackie belongs to the Picornaviridae family. Its danger lies in its ability to trigger a variety of infectious diseases.
Children are the most vulnerable to this illness and are considered a high-risk group.
“It is believed that infants under 3 months rarely contract the virus, especially those who are breastfed, as they possess natural immunity. After age 5, the infection rate drops sharply. Thus, the primary age group affected is between 3 months and 5 years,” explains Lev Averback, a general practitioner and chief physician at a private emergency service, in an interview with Woman.ru.
In children up to 10 years old, cases become even less frequent, and adult infections are quite rare. When adults do contract Coxsackie, the infection tends to be almost asymptomatic, unlike in children.
How Coxsackie Virus Affects the Body
The virus enters the bloodstream and accumulates in mucous membranes, lymphoid tissues, the small intestine, and the throat. From there, it spreads to internal organs, causing damage. There are about 30 serotypes of the Coxsackie virus, divided mainly into two groups:
Group A (24 serotypes)
Affects skin and mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract. Can cause conjunctivitis, stomatitis, and rash.
Herpangina (also called Coxsackie pharyngitis), characterized by painful mouth ulcers (aphthae) and possible fever.
Skin rashes on palms, soles, and sometimes the whole body, with fever reaching up to 102°F (39°C).
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Group B (6 serotypes)
This group is particularly dangerous as it targets the heart, pleura, liver, and pancreas.
Early Symptoms of Coxsackie Virus
Fever, fatigue, and general malaise.
Sore throat.
Rash with vesicular lesions (small fluid-filled blisters).
Headache.
Muscle and joint pain.
Digestive issues including nausea and diarrhea.
Viral meningitis.
Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
The incubation period is approximately one week. About half of those infected experience few or no symptoms. If fever develops, it typically subsides within 3-5 days, and all symptoms usually resolve within 7-10 days. However, an infected person may still carry the virus for several weeks after recovery.
“Coxsackie virus is rarely specifically diagnosed except during outbreaks. It often presents like a common cold or flu, with symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, or runny nose. Urban areas rarely report cases; infections are mostly associated with the Turkish coast, where the risk of contracting the virus is higher. Other coastal areas like Sochi or Crimea may also be vulnerable. The illness is generally considered mild and self-limiting, requiring treatment only if complications arise,” the doctor added.
Complications are rare and mostly occur in children, the elderly with weakened immune systems, immunocompromised individuals, or those with cancer.
“Complications are exceptional, similar to COVID-19 where 97% recover and 3% experience severe outcomes. Immune system strength is decisive. To summarize, adults can get infected, but usually only if they have serious underlying health issues or belong to a high-risk age group. Coxsackie is predominantly a childhood illness,” concluded the physician.
How to Treat Coxsackie Virus
There is no specific treatment for Coxsackie virus infection; the body typically overcomes it naturally. However, each case is unique—if muscle pain or high fever occurs, medical consultation is advised for symptom management. Antiviral, antibacterial, or immune-modulating drugs are generally not required unless a secondary bacterial infection develops, in which case antibiotics may be prescribed.
One more challenge with this virus is that immunity does not develop after infection, meaning reinfection is possible.
Photo credit: Shutterstock/FOTODOM
Explore useful articles in Health & Wellness as of 22-05-2024. The article titled " Can Adults Catch the Coxsackie Virus? A Doctor Explains " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the Health & Wellness field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.
The " Can Adults Catch the Coxsackie Virus? A Doctor Explains " article expands your knowledge in Health & Wellness, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.