infection usually is spread by fecal-oral contamination although occasionally the virus is spread by droplets expelled by infected individuals. items like utensils diaper-changing tables and toys that come in contact with body fluids that contain the virus may also transmit them to other individuals. although people of any age can get infected the majority of patients identified with coxsackie infection are children. pregnant women can pass coxsackie virus to their newborns which may cause serious problems for the newborn so pregnant women need to notify their obstetrician if they exhibit symptoms of the infection especially if they are near their delivery date. risk factors for coxsackie virus infection include physical contact with any patient with individuals with hfmd symptoms. infectious virus can be found in feces saliva fluid in blisters and nasal secretions. even patients who have recovered and have no symptoms may still shed infectious virus for weeks.
how do people get infected with coxsackie virus and what are the risk factors?