Can herpangina still be contagious after recovery?
Whether herpangina remains contagious after recovery depends on individual circumstances.
Herpangina is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by enteroviruses. This condition is highly contagious, with infected children and asymptomatic carriers serving as the main sources of transmission. The pathogens are primarily spread via the respiratory tract, direct contact, and the digestive tract. Common causative viruses include Coxsackievirus, Echovirus, herpes simplex virus, EB virus, among others. If herpangina is caused by Coxsackievirus, it is no longer contagious once recovered—patients typically recover within 3 to 5 days after infection and will not transmit the disease afterward. However, if caused by any of the other aforementioned viruses, transmission may still occur even after symptoms have resolved.
Patients with herpangina are advised to take protective measures even after symptoms improve or upon initial recovery to prevent further transmission. Particularly in childcare settings, timely isolation should be implemented and close contact with individuals who have herpangina should be avoided.