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Suggest Treatment For Severe Herpangina

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Posted on Thu, 28 Sep 2017
Question: I am an adult with severe herpangina. The blisters were extremely painful, only on the right back of my throat and back of my tongue. My right glands are still swollen and now my right ear is very painful - last 2 days. I
haven't felt this since I was a child with earaches. The blisters have lessened somewhat, still hurts to swallow, but the worst days were last Thurs and Fri. Is the ear pain related to this. I'm taking tylenol codeine #3 - 1 per day for the pain. I'm still coughing (taking mucinex DM and saline mister). I was also given valacyclovir for 5 days. 1 1/2 days left. I'm a teacher, but feel I shouldn't be in school on Monday. I guess I was more contagious last week, but wasn't diagnosed till Thurs. So, ear pain, still contagious, how much longer?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
herpangina is most contagious during the first week of infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you writing in healthcare magic.

You should know that herpangina is caused by coxsackieviruses, enterovirus 71, and echovirus. These viruses are very contagious and can easily spread from person to person.
But , the person who is infected with herpangina is most contagious during the first week of infection.
Earingpain doesn't mean that you are contagious because this could persist even after the acute phase.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (3 hours later)
Thank you, but when I looked up Herpangina on line, no research ever mentioned
ear pain, so by your answer, I'm assuming that can also be a symptom?

On Sept 1st, I began to feel the symptoms:chills, achey, throat hurting, coughing. By last Tuesday, a doctor saw my throat sores, ruled out strep and said it was a
circulating cough, chills, aches, sore throat virus. He gave me the mucinex DM and
saline.
2 days later, on Thursday, when the sores and symptoms were worse, the 2nd doctor diagnosed herpangina. Today, it's been 10 days since symptoms began,
peaking in pain and intensity this past Thurs/ Fri, but I'm still achey, coughing, and sores still there, but fewer.
Question: should I have the 2nd doctor check me tomorrow before I return to school?
I've done nothing but lie in bed and sleep on and off throughout the day since last
Thursday. This has been debilitating.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (27 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes,during herpangina the patient may have some pain in the ear.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am sorry for my late response.

Based on your recent symptoms, having improvement, I think there is not necessary to meet another doctor because this is a normal course of herpangina as a viral disease.
You should know that during herpangina the patient may have some pain in the ear, particularly while swallowing food or drinks.(this is describe even in some online pages).


I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Monika Dede

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1005 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Herpangina

Brief Answer: herpangina is most contagious during the first week of infection. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you writing in healthcare magic. You should know that herpangina is caused by coxsackieviruses, enterovirus 71, and echovirus. These viruses are very contagious and can easily spread from person to person. But , the person who is infected with herpangina is most contagious during the first week of infection. Earingpain doesn't mean that you are contagious because this could persist even after the acute phase. I hope my answer helps you. Regards.