Most students are immune by Age 5 but HFMD can spread in close quarters What College Students & Athletes Need to Know Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection most often caused by coxsackieviruses. While frequently associated with young children, anyone can get it — including college students living in shared housing or participating in team sports. What It Is HFMD typically causes: Fever ( you are often contagious before the fever) Sore throat Painful blisters or sores on hands, feet, mouth, and sometimes buttocks that occur before the fever General malaise Although usually mild, it spreads easily in close-contact [...]