Herpangina: Symptoms & Signs

Herpangina is a viral infection that commonly occurs in young children.

Signs and symptoms of herpangina include sore throat with sores or blisters at the back of the throat and on the palate. Associated symptoms can include

• refusal to eat or drink due to the pain,
• high fever,
• malaise,
• nausea,
• drooling,
• headache,
• irritability, and
• difficulty swallowing.

There is a risk for dehydration if affected children are unable or unwilling to eat or drink.

Cause of herpangina

A Coxsackievirus typically causes herpangina, although other viruses belonging to the Enterovirus family may also cause the condition. The infection usually spreads via the fecal-oral route (the contamination of hands and other surfaces with fecal matter) or via the air droplets from coughing or sneezing by an infected person.

Other herpangina symptoms and signs

• Difficulty Swallowing
• Drooling
• Headache
• High Fever
• Irritability
• Malaise
• Nausea
• Refusal to Eat or Drink Due to the Pain
• Sore Throat with Sores or Blisters at the Back of the Throat and on the Palate

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