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Original poster

Can I go in to work if I have hand foot and mouth disease?

12 replies

Ksibeij · 31/08/2025 22:47

Not sure if I have it, but feel rough and have a sore throat.
Last weekend I babysat for my 18; month old grandson, he was grizzly and unsettled and by weds it was apparent he had caught hand foot and mouth from his nursery. His dad has also gone down with it.
I'm going to try for a video appt with my Dr in the morning, but what is the general advice about going in to work, if I am not feeling too ill to work?
I work in an office, home working might be possible at a punch but would need my managers agreement

OP posts:
Goofles · 31/08/2025 23:03

Why on earth would you want to?!

Sure a search engine would tell you the general advise in less than the time it took you to type the above.

If you think you could have it you’re contagious before and during symptoms. It’s the sickest I’d ever seen my DH and he was ill for a good week. It can be absolutely horrendous in adults so I’d be pretty pissed if I was a colleague and caught it from you. Also not great if near anyone pregnant/near due date.

Justletmemoveon · 31/08/2025 23:05

Please don’t. I had it at 17 and I’ve never been that poorly before or since.

GameWheelsAlarm · 31/08/2025 23:06

It's incredibly infectious.

Nurseries tend to not bother excluding pupils infected though because by the time a case is detected, all the kids are already infected and incubating the virus. If you went into work during the 5 days preceding getting symptoms, you have probably already infected your colleagues.

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Original poster
Ksibeij · 31/08/2025 23:07

Goofles · 31/08/2025 23:03

Why on earth would you want to?!

Sure a search engine would tell you the general advise in less than the time it took you to type the above.

If you think you could have it you’re contagious before and during symptoms. It’s the sickest I’d ever seen my DH and he was ill for a good week. It can be absolutely horrendous in adults so I’d be pretty pissed if I was a colleague and caught it from you. Also not great if near anyone pregnant/near due date.

Why would I want to? Because I am not feeling so sick that I need to go off sick, and my work has a punitive sickness policy.
I did look on Google and it did not give a clear answer, which is why I'm calling my GP in the morning for advice. But just thought I'd ask on here, I think that is ok.

OP posts:
Gabbycat245 · 31/08/2025 23:11

If you were in last week the damage will likely have already been done. But people will still take a dim view oif you go in now you know you've got it.

Original poster
Ksibeij · 31/08/2025 23:13

Gabbycat245 · 31/08/2025 23:11

If you were in last week the damage will likely have already been done. But people will still take a dim view oif you go in now you know you've got it.

I don't know I've got it. I feel a bit rough but it could equally be a cold, the office is full of people with colds

OP posts:
Gabbycat245 · 31/08/2025 23:15

Ksibeij · 31/08/2025 23:13

I don't know I've got it. I feel a bit rough but it could equally be a cold, the office is full of people with colds

Show quote history

Then I would go in if you feel well enough.

coxesorangepippin · 01/09/2025 02:11

So it's a week since you were in contract with your grandson?

I'd personally try and work from home, I felt absolutely mega rough when I had it

Have you got the blisters

DiscoBeat · 01/09/2025 02:16

Don't go and share it!

DiscoBeat · 01/09/2025 02:16

Don't go and share it!

Original poster
Ksibeij · 01/09/2025 11:33

coxesorangepippin · 01/09/2025 02:11

So it's a week since you were in contract with your grandson?

I'd personally try and work from home, I felt absolutely mega rough when I had it

Have you got the blisters

No blisters yet but I think they don't necessarily come straight away?

OP posts:
Original poster
Ksibeij · 01/09/2025 11:33

I'm working from home today and then will see

OP posts:
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