I think there is a bit of an epidemic at the moment! I remember my two eldest getting it whilst at nursery..my other two haven't had it yet but I am sure it's only a matter of time......
My son has it at the moment. Its generally not too painful but can be when blisters occur in the mouth.
Contagious within children before spots occur. Rare that a healthy adult contracts it.
transfered through sneezes, coughs and faeces so ensure good hygeine. After spots have cleared the infection can still be carried in the faeces for 4 weeks.
I am one of those rare adults who have had this nasty virus,the sores in my mouth were so painful I couldn't eat anything solid for about a week.I had only just gone back to work after maternity leave and because it is so contagious I had to have three weeks off work (my employers were delighted as you can imagine!).