Herpangina

• Herpangina is said to be extremely infectious and occurs between the top of the mouth and throat. This virus can be easily transferred from one child to another.
• Children are at risk in this case due to the inability to develop sturdy antibodies to exterminate the virus. Therefore, children between the ages of 3 to 10 should be properly watched. 
• Also, patients who do not have strong antibodies to fight the infection are susceptible to the virus. Herpangina can also be extremely contagious in autumn and summer periods as climate change tends to spike the rate of spreading of the herpangina.
• Risks involved in contracting the virus are enormous for children in schools, playgrounds, or even camps as they can not properly manage the atmosphere of the surrounding with possible coxsackievirus A or not washing hands regularly.

1. Temperature level being above 39°C (103°F) which occurs frequently for several days.
2. Dehydration is imminent.
3. Abnormal urine color.
4. Sores around the top of the mouth and back of the throat for over 5 days and more.
5. Decreased input of urine.

1. Swelling in the brain.
2. Failure of the liver.
3. Brain Infection.
4. Infection of the spinal cord.

1. Time of the year, summer, or autumn can aid the diagnosis.
2. The age range of the affected patient plays a major role in the diagnosis of herpangina. It is more occurring for patients between the ages of 3 to 10.
3. Time is was taken for the incubation to take place, usually between 2 to 5 days after exposure to the virus. Exposure to others with the same condition.
4. Contact with an infected person or a possible infected area. 

• Medication

• Hydration

• Non-irritably Foods

1. Parents are required to wash hands regularly after changing diapers or touching mucus.
2. Cleaning the environment frequently and using disinfectants can help terminate the virus.
3. Children diagnosed with the virus are to avoid social gatherings.
4. Washing of hands properly and regularly can aid prevention. Also, washing hands before and after eating is a necessity and criteria for maintaining good hygiene.
5. Covering of the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing is required to prevent the possible spread of the virus and washing the hands thereafter.

Symptoms

HERPANGINA SYMPTOMS

Herpangina symptoms are observed between a period of 2 to 5 days immediately after exposure to the enteroviruses. The symptoms experienced are listed below:

1. High fever.
2. Headache.
3. Loss of appetite.
4. Sore throat.
5. Pains experienced when eating.
6. Presence of ulcer or painful blister between the mouth and the throat.
7. Lymph glands get swollen.
8. Neck pains.
9. Frequent vomiting.
10. Patient drools.
11. Fatigue.
12. Eyes and cheeks sink in.

Causes

Herpangina is a result of a major group of viruses known as enteroviruses. These enteroviruses are classified into the following:

1. Coxsackievirus A.
2. Enterovirus 71.
3. Coxsackievirus B.
4. Echovirus.

Amongst the above-listed types, the coxsackievirus A is said to be responsible for most of the cases responsible for the outbreak of the herpangina. The Echovirus is said to be the least of the type of enteroviruses affecting the patient diagnosed.

FAQ

Is Herpangina the same as Hand Foot Mouth?

Herpangina and hand-foot-mouth (HFM) disease or both illnesses that are caused by enteroviruses with the same symptoms but the Herpangina is different from the HFM due to the location of the blister or ulcer.

The herpangina occurs at the back of the throat and roof of the mouth. Hand-foot-mouth disease causes blisters on the feet or lower part of the body. 

Is Herpangina contagious in adults?

Individuals affected by herpangina are contagious 2 to 10 days after exposure even if they are asymptomatic. 

Adults can also spread the infection to their children too.

Is Herpangina serious?

Herpangina is not a serious condition except for infants between the age group of 6 to 11 months.

What is the incubation period for Herpangina?

Herpangina incubation period ranges from 2 to 5 days after exposure.

How long does it take for Herpangina to go away?

Herpangina has no cure but can be managed. Also, herpangina can be exterminated before medications and certain measures were taken but generally, herpangina can vanish without any aid and this can be between 7 to 10 days after exposure. The presence of the virus after this period elapses requires urgent medical attention.