Herpangina: A Disease Parents Must Aware!

What causes Herpangina?

Herpangina is caused by the same virus found in the Hand-Foot-Mouth disease, but the wound symptoms will be only within the mouth and not on the palms and feet. This condition is commonly found in young children less than 5 years old, contracted by receiving the virus directly into the mouth. The virus comes through the hands or toys contaminated with saliva, mucus, liquid from blisters, and coughing or sneezing.

The symptoms of Herpangina

Mostly, the children will show signs of symptoms 3 - 6 days after infected. It starts with having a fever then red blisters will appear on the tongue, gum, and inside of the cheeks. If you’re suspecting that your child may be infected with Herpangina virus, please take him/her to see a doctor.

How to treat Herpangina

There’re no specific medicines or vaccines to prevent Herpangina virus. The patient should rest a lot and eat mild food. Dropping some painkiller can help relieve the pain in the mouth.

Herpangina prevention

• Clean toys and baby equipment.
• Have your children wash their hands often, before and after meals, and every time after using the toilet.
• Don’t use a shared mug and daily items.
• If your children are sick, have them stop going to school for a week until they’re entirely healed to reduce the infection.