Herpangina (say "HUR-pann-JY-nuh") is an illness that is caused by a virus. It causes sores inside the mouth, a sore throat, and a high fever. Adults usually do not get it. Herpangina easily spreads to other children through exposure to a sick child's runny nose or saliva.
While herpangina can make your child feel very ill for a few days, this illness usually clears up within a week. The most common concern is that your child may get dehydrated because it is painful to swallow. You can use home treatment to reduce your child's pain and discomfort. Since this illness is caused by a virus, antibiotic medicine is not used to treat it.
Herpangina is a viral infection that causes sore throat and pus-filled sores on the throat, tongue, tonsils, and roof of the mouth. The illness is not serious and often goes away in less than a week.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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