Herpangina is a very common viral infection caused by the Coxsackie A or B virus. It has a 3-6 day incubation period. It particularly affects children younger than 4 years, although it may affect any age group.
It has an incubation period from infection to the start of symptoms of 3-6 days. The most common symptoms, which usually last 4-7 days, are: vesicles or aphthae in the mouth and/or throat, of 1-2 mm of diameter (0.03 - 0.06 inch), throat pain and congestion, drooling in lactating patients and fever.
The diagnosis is clinical (i.e. through medical questioning and physical exploration).
Treatment is symptomatic with antipyretics for fever and/or analgesia for pain. There is usually significant pain in the mouth and/or throat, for which a diet with cold, fluid or soft foods is advised. It is important to maximize hygiene measures to avoid contagion as well.
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