The difference between herpetic pharyngitis and hand, foot and mouth disease

Herpangina and hand, foot and mouth disease are two common childhood infectious diseases. They differ significantly in many aspects, including different causes, transmission routes, symptoms, herpes distribution locations, and complications. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Different causes

Herpangina: It is mainly caused by coxsackievirus, echovirus, etc., especially some types of enterovirus. These viruses often enter the human body through the respiratory tract or digestive tract, causing infection.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: mainly caused by enterovirus, the most common of which are enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16. These viruses are also transmitted through the digestive tract or respiratory tract, causing infection in children.

2. Different transmission channels

Herpetic pharyngitis: can be transmitted through the respiratory tract, intestinal tract or contaminated food, clothing, etc.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: Mainly transmitted through the digestive tract, respiratory tract or close contact, such as contact with patient feces, herpes fluid, nasopharyngeal secretions, etc.

3. Different symptoms

Herpetic pharyngitis: The main symptoms are sudden fever, sore throat, and herpes in the pharynx. The herpes is mainly concentrated in the oral cavity, such as the posterior pharyngeal wall, tonsils, etc., and generally does not affect the front half of the mouth and the hands and feet.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: In addition to herpes or ulcers in the mouth, rashes or herpes may also appear on the hands, feet, buttocks, etc. Some children may also experience early symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it may cause symptoms such as rapid breathing and cold limbs.

4. Herpes distribution is different

Herpetic pharyngitis: Herpes is mainly distributed in the pharyngeal isthmus of the mouth, such as the back of the soft palate, pharynx, tonsils, etc.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: Herpes not only appears in the mouth, but is also widely distributed in the hands, feet, buttocks and other parts, causing obvious skin lesions.

5. Different complications

Herpetic pharyngitis: There are generally no serious complications, the course of the disease is relatively short, and most children can recover within 1-2 weeks.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: A small number of children may develop serious complications, such as respiratory tract infection, myocarditis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, etc. The condition may be severe and the course of the disease may be long.

Teach your children to wash their hands frequently in daily life, especially before meals, after defecation, and after touching public items. Use soap or hand sanitizer and follow the seven-step hand washing method to wash your hands correctly. Keep your mouth clean and rinse your mouth after meals. Clean your room regularly and keep it well ventilated. Fresh air helps reduce the breeding of viruses. Disinfect your children's toys, tableware, clothes, etc. regularly, by boiling at high temperature or soaking in disinfectant. Let your children drink more water and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure balanced nutrition and enhance immunity. Avoid eating raw and cold food and make sure that food is thoroughly cooked. Avoid contact with sick children around you.