Herpangina

This is what Mason has. We are over the fever finally. He has also proved to be above average having 7 ulcers. What they forget to mention is that this is often accompanied with ear infections because of the swelling. Mason was lucky enough to get both ears. My week has been great fun and it is only Thursday.

Herpangina is a viral infection of the back of the mouth.
The main symptoms include:

• sore throat and pain with swallowing
• fever for 2 to 3 days (102-103)
• small ulcers (2-3 mm) surrounded by a red ring on the roof of the mouth and near the tonsils. There are no ulcers in the front of the mouth or on the gums. The average child has 5 of these ulcers, though there can be more.

What is the cause?

Herpangina is caused by several Coxsackie A viruses. A person can have herpangina up to 5 times.

How long does it last?

The sore throat and ulcers usually last 5 to 7 days.