Herpangina in Children: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions

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.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever, pain, or fussiness. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Do not give your child over-the-counter antidiarrhea or upset-stomach medicines without talking to your doctor first. Do not give Pepto-Bismol or other medicines that contain salicylates, a form of aspirin, or aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Make sure your child rests. Keep your child home as long as your child has a fever.
• Have your child drink plenty of fluids. Warm fluids such as soup, warm water, or warm lemonade may ease throat pain. Ice cream, gelatin dessert, and sherbet can also soothe the throat.
• If your child is eating solids, try offering bland foods, such as yogurt and warm cereal.
• Watch for and treat signs of dehydration, which means that the body has lost too much water. Your child's mouth may feel very dry. Your child may have sunken eyes with few tears when crying. Your child may lack energy and want to be held a lot. Your child may not urinate as often as usual.
• Give your child lots of fluids. This is very important if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea. Give your child sips of water or drinks such as Pedialyte or Infalyte. These drinks contain a mix of salt, sugar, and minerals. You can buy them at drugstores or grocery stores. Give these drinks as long as your child is throwing up or has diarrhea. Do not use them as the only source of liquids or food for more than 12 to 24 hours.
• Wash your hands after changing diapers and before you touch food. Have your child wash his or her hands after using the toilet and before eating.