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What Is Herpangina?

Herpangina is an acute viral illness in children. Common symptoms are small blister-like bumps or sores (ulcers) in the mouth and fever. It is caused by a virus. The most common ones are coxsackie viruses A and B.

What are the symptoms of herpangina?

Symptoms of herpangina typically show up two to five days after you’ve been exposed to the virus. The symptoms of herpangina vary from person to person, but can include: Sudden onset of fever, sore throat, headache, neck pain, swollen lymph glands, difficulty in swallowing, loss of appetite, drooling (in infants), vomiting (in infants).

Small ulcers in the back of the mouth and throat begin to appear about two days after the initial infection. They tend to be light gray and often have a red border. The ulcers usually heal within seven days.

What causes herpangina?

Herpangina is usually caused by group A coxsackieviruses. However, it can also be caused by group B coxsackieviruses, enterovirus 71, and echovirus. Infections caused by these viruses are highly contagious. The viruses can be shared easily between one child and another. They’re most commonly spread through droplets from sneezes or coughs or contact with fecal matter. Proper handwashing can help reduce the risk of sharing the viruses. After a child gets herpangina, they usually develop a natural immunity to the virus that caused it. However, they may still be affected by other viral strains that can cause the illness.

How is herpangina treated?

The primary goal of treatment is to reduce and manage symptoms, especially the pain. Your specific treatment plan will depend on a variety of factors, including your age, symptoms, and tolerance for certain medications. Since herpangina is a viral infection, antibiotics aren’t an effective form of treatment. Antivirals for herpangina do not exist. Instead, your doctor may recommend:

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen

These medications can ease any discomfort and reduce fever. Do not use aspirin to treat symptoms of a viral infection in children or teenagers. This has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening illness that results in sudden swelling and inflammation in the liver and brain.

Topical anesthetics

Certain anesthetics, such as lidocaine, can provide relief for a sore throat and any other mouth pain associated with herpangina. With treatment, symptoms should disappear within seven days with no lasting effects. If the symptoms worsen or linger longer than 10 days, you should see your doctor again.

How can herpangina be prevented?

Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent herpangina. You should always wash your hands thoroughly, especially before meals and after using the restroom. It’s also important to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of germs. Teach your children to do the same. While caring for a child with herpangina, wash your hands frequently, especially after coming in contact with soiled diapers or mucus.

Clean any surfaces, toys, and other objects with a disinfectant to kill germs. You should also keep your child out of school or daycare for a few days to avoid spreading the infection to others.

(04/06/2021)
by Health Line

More Information: https://www.healthline.com/health/herpangina#treatment

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