Kaye Abad battles painful herpangina after travel-related viral infection

Actress Kaye Abad has been diagnosed with herpangina, a viral infection causing painful canker sores in the mouth and throat. She has spent the last three days in isolation after likely contracting the disease while travelling.

Abad's symptoms include severe cold sores that make speaking, eating, and even smiling difficult. The condition stems from enteroviruses, the same family responsible for hand, foot and mouth disease—though herpangina rarely leads to rashes on the hands or feet.

There is no dedicated medication for herpangina. Treatment focuses on relieving discomfort through cold compresses and numbing gels. Abad suspects she picked up the virus at an airport or during a flight.

The World Health Organization does not offer specific guidelines for preventing herpangina. General advice for avoiding viral infections includes regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and not sharing utensils. No tailored recommendations for travellers or public transport users are currently documented.

Abad continues to isolate as she manages the symptoms. Her case highlights the ease with which viral infections can spread in high-traffic areas like airports. Recovery relies on supportive care, as no targeted treatment exists for herpangina.