1. Consider the Symptoms
Herpes angina of the throat is also called herpangina. It is caused by the Coxsackie group A virus, so-called because it was first isolated in a town called Coxsackie, New York. This is a common childhood infection, and it tends to appear in clusters in schools and neighborhoods. Kids aged 3 to 10 years of age are most susceptible, but older and younger children can also get sick with this highly contagious virus.
A child infected with the Coxsackie group A virus is likely to have a fever, headache and sore throat. He or she may complain of trouble swallowing, belly pain, nausea and muscle aches. The child's appetite is usually a little off. As many as half of infected kids have no symptoms at all, and some complain only of being hot.
2. Look in the Mouth and Throat
Any time a child has a sore throat or complains of mouth discomfort, get a flashlight and have a look. If the child has herpangina, you are likely to see ulcers in the mouth and throat. These are typically rimmed in red and have a white or gray base. They are usually 2 to 4 mm in size, and the child may have as many as 6 of them in the back of the mouth and on the soft palate (the back of the roof of the mouth). The sores can cause quite severe pain.
Look carefully at the palms and soles. You may see similar lesions or ulcers here, as well.
3. Get Medical Help When Necessary
The mouth lesions can last for up to 7 to 10 days before they are healed and no longer painful. Antibiotics won't help, because herpangina is a viral infection. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen help reduce pain, as do ice cream, cold milk and cold water. Juice will make the sores sting, so have your child avoid it for a week.
Although herpangina usually goes away on its own, you should call your doctor or seek other medical help if the sores, fever, or sore throat persist for more than 5 days or are extremely severe. Sometimes the sores are so painful that kids avoid drinking altogether and become dehydrated. Call the doctor in this situation. Vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, convulsions (seizures), eye symptoms of any kind, neck stiffness and severe headache, sores in the mouth or on the skin and sleepiness should prompt a call to the doctor.
