Re: what is herpangina and how do you get it ?

Dear A. Tully:

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, herpangina, also known 
as hand-foot- and mouth disease, is caused by a subgroup of Coxsackie viruses, 
and is common in children.  It can be passed by saliva contact, by contact with 
an infected person's stool, or by contact with the fluid from the blisters on the 
hands and feet.  Infection with the virus can cause inflammation and ulceration 
(blisters and broken blisters that look like cold sores) of the throat, soft 
palate, and occasionally the hands and feet (thus the name hand-foot- and mouth 
disease).  In general, the symptoms resolve on their own, but in the meantime the 
throat can be extremely painful and the infected person can run a high fever.  
The disease is most common in the summer and early fall.

The best way to avoid herpangina is to wash your hands often and teach your 
children to wash their hands often, as this is the most common means of 
transmission.

Hope this helps!  

Ingrid Dodge, Mad Scientist