Kaye Abad shares she recently contracted herpangina. What is it and how is it treated?

"I felt sick Sunday night. At first, I had fever, no appetite, very weak ako. I was just lying down the whole day for two days. I thought it was dengue kasi I have joint pains also," Abad detailed.

"But then, day three, the mouth sores came out. So akala ko naman hand, foot, and mouth disease. But when I showed the doctor the picture, especially my throat and the positions of 'yung mga mouth sores, he said it's herpangina," she added.

The actress shared that she started to get more mouth sores which caused her to have a hard time talking. "Even smiling masakit. Having a hard time eating. I've been eating oatmeal and juice lang since day three kasi hindi ko na kayang magsolid."

She highlighted that it was very important for her to stay hydrated and that cold water helps in easing the pain.

"My husband gave me this cold compress. No medicine for this. The usual medicine for mouth sores, it won't work kasi parang kahit na mouth sores, it's not the usual. It's viral sores. All I can put is mga numbing gel or pain reliever," Abad lamented.

What is herpangina?

General physician Russel Nacog-Ang Guadilla told PhilSTAR L!fe that herpangina is a viral infection that causes sudden fever and painful sores or blisters at the back of the throat.

"These sores can make swallowing difficult and uncomfortable, which is why people who have it sometimes refuse to eat," he explained.

The illness, which is commonly caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses, can spread easily through saliva, coughing and sneezing, and contaminated hands and surfaces.

"It’s the kind of virus you can pick up in crowded settings like schools, family gatherings, airports, or during travel. You don’t need direct contact with someone who’s visibly sick. Sometimes the person spreading it only has mild symptoms," Guadilla said.

The virus is more commonly seen in children, especially those under 10 years old, as their immune systems are still developing, and they are frequently exposed in schools or daycare, where the spread is common.

However, Guadilla warned that adults are not immune to herpangina, especially if they are exposed to a new strain of the virus or their immune system is temporarily lowered due to fatigue, stress, among others.

"In adults, symptoms may be milder, or they may just experience fever and throat pain without obvious blisters," Guadilla said.

While antibiotics are ineffective towards herpangina, Guadilla assured that the disease is "usually self-limiting like most viral infections, meaning it gets better on its own and can take about five to seven days."

Treatment focuses on just managing the symptoms, such as pain relief, good oral hydration, and consuming soft, non-irritating food.

Guadilla recommended practicing good hand hygiene, not sharing utensils, and getting enough rest while sick to prevent transmission.

"Herpangina sounds alarming because of the name and the painful throat sores, but in otherwise healthy individuals, it is typically a mild, short-lived viral illness. It spreads easily but also resolves naturally with just supportive care," he added.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any questions you may have.