From the Research
Children with herpangina should stay home from school until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications and until they feel well enough to participate in regular activities, as well as until their mouth sores have begun to heal and they can maintain adequate hydration. Herpangina is a viral infection, typically caused by coxsackieviruses, that is most contagious during the first week of illness 1. The virus spreads through direct contact with respiratory secretions, fecal matter, or fluid from blisters, making good hygiene practices essential. Some key points to consider when dealing with herpangina include:
- The importance of good hygiene practices, such as hand-washing, to prevent the spread of the virus 2
- The need for children to rest, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and take medications as directed by a healthcare provider to manage symptoms
- The potential for herpangina to be caused by various enteroviruses, including Coxsackievirus A and Enterovirus 71 3, 4
- The fact that herpangina is usually a self-limiting illness, but can be accompanied by other symptoms such as erythema multiforme 5 While at home, children should rest, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and may take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever as directed by a healthcare provider. Cold foods like popsicles or ice cream can help soothe throat pain. Parents should contact a healthcare provider if their child has a high fever, signs of dehydration, or if symptoms worsen or don't improve after a few days. These isolation requirements help prevent the spread of the virus to other children in the school environment.