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What Is The Difference Between Herpangina And Strep Throat?
Question: What are the differences betweeen Herpangina and Strep Throat and what are the incubation periods/time a child will get sick after being exposed?
Brief Answer:
Herpangina is a viral infection while strep sore throat is bacterial
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for asking on HCM
Herangina is a viral infection(Enteroviruses) while Strep sore throat is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus.
Most of the symptoms of both these infections overlap each other.
Incubation period of streptococcal infection is 1-4 days while that of herpangina is 4-14 days.
Tonsillar involvement is characteristic of strep infection while in viral hepangina involvement may be widespread(oral,pharyngeal,tonsils).High grade fever,lymph node enlargement in neck can be there in both the conditions.
Generalised bodyache/headache,running nose,red eye or eye discharges are more common in viral infection while difficulty in swallowing is more severe in strep infection.
On examination patches on tonsils and pharynx is common in strep sore throat while oral and pharyngeal ulcers can be found in herpangina.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by Antistreptolysin O titre and throat swab culture.
In herpangina only symptomatic treatment is sufficient while strep sore throat needs to be treated with antibiotic.
I have noticed in your history that he is getting fever and pain reducer for 5 days.In viral infection fever usually starts declining after 3-4 days.If fever is still of high grade and condition is getting worsened one must think of strep infection.
I would suggest you to get him reevaluated by your pediatrician if fever is not improving or condition is getting worsened.
I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any more query.
Thanks and regards
Herpangina is a viral infection while strep sore throat is bacterial
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for asking on HCM
Herangina is a viral infection(Enteroviruses) while Strep sore throat is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus.
Most of the symptoms of both these infections overlap each other.
Incubation period of streptococcal infection is 1-4 days while that of herpangina is 4-14 days.
Tonsillar involvement is characteristic of strep infection while in viral hepangina involvement may be widespread(oral,pharyngeal,tonsils).High grade fever,lymph node enlargement in neck can be there in both the conditions.
Generalised bodyache/headache,running nose,red eye or eye discharges are more common in viral infection while difficulty in swallowing is more severe in strep infection.
On examination patches on tonsils and pharynx is common in strep sore throat while oral and pharyngeal ulcers can be found in herpangina.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by Antistreptolysin O titre and throat swab culture.
In herpangina only symptomatic treatment is sufficient while strep sore throat needs to be treated with antibiotic.
I have noticed in your history that he is getting fever and pain reducer for 5 days.In viral infection fever usually starts declining after 3-4 days.If fever is still of high grade and condition is getting worsened one must think of strep infection.
I would suggest you to get him reevaluated by your pediatrician if fever is not improving or condition is getting worsened.
I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any more query.
Thanks and 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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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