A common childhood viral infection is keeping Dr. James Brouillette at Ingham Community Medical Center, a partner of Ingham Regional, busy this week.
He is treating herpangina.
Symptoms are a very bad sore throat, high fever anywhere between 101 and 104 degrees, and blisters in the back of the throat.
Since it is a viral infection, you can't treat herpangina with antibiotics. There are some things you can do, however, to give your child some relief.
Make sure your child is getting plenty of fluids and taking Tylenol or Motrin for pain and fever.
You should also feed your child soft foods like Jello, which go down the throat easier.
Dr. Brouillette says you should bring your child to the doctor regardless, because herpangina and strep throat have similar symptoms, but strep can be cleared up with antibiotics.
Herpangina is most common in the summer and fall.
It lasts for about a week before it clears up.