This infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus which can cause blisters around the lips. This virus can spread quickly and can have serious consequences for infants whose immune systems have not fully developed.
Herpes infections in infants are generally caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) which actually attacks more children aged 1 to 5 years. This viral infection in infants can occur when the baby is in the womb or during the birth process.
Infants or children are more at risk of developing this virus if their immune system is weak, such as when they are tired, sick with flu, exposed to sunlight or constant cold temperatures, injured on the skin, or become dehydrated.
This HSV virus can be transmitted through skin contact, saliva, and when someone touches an object held by an infected person. This is the reason you are not advised to let your baby, especially babies younger than 6 months, be kissed by just anyone. Blisters on the skin or mucosa such as herpes-infected lips or vagina are a source of HSV infection.
Herpes in Newborns
Herpes infections in infants can even occur in newborns. The mother can transmit herpes to her baby during pregnancy, especially if the mother is infected with genital herpes in the first six months of pregnancy. In addition, this virus can be transmitted to infants if the mother who has herpes performs a normal vaginal delivery.
Apart from around the mouth, blisters as a symptom of herpes or also called cold sores can occur on the nose, cheeks, and chin. This wound can actually heal by itself. After a few days, this wound will break, then crust in 1-2 weeks.
In addition to blisters, herpes in infants can be characterized by:
- Fever that does not occur instantly, but only appears 2-12 days after infection.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Sore throat.
- Fussy.
- Do not want to eat or drink.
- Swollen gums.
- Drooling saliva.
- Cry loudly.
- Shortness of nap
- Having a rash.
- Blue skin and tongue.
A baby's shortness of breath accompanied by blue skin and tongue indicates a serious problem with the respiratory system that needs to be followed up immediately. Be aware if your baby experiences some of the above symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor immediately to get treatment.
Aside from the delivery process, herpes infections in babies are more at risk if:
- Nursing mothers who have herpes sores on their breasts. These sores can form when the mother's hand touches herpes sores on other body parts, then touches her breasts.
- Babies are kissed by people who have blisters due to herpes around the mouth.
Herpes in Babies Can Be Harmful
Herpes in infants can become systemic herpes which can cause serious conditions such as seizures, loss of consciousness, respiratory distress, and brain damage or inflammation (encephalitis). This condition can interfere with various vital organs of the baby such as the kidneys, lungs, liver and central nervous system. The virus can also spread to the eye, where in certain cases can cause infection in the cornea that can cause blindness.
Therefore, check your child to the doctor to get the right treatment. The doctor can start the diagnosis by conducting a physical examination, plus blood and urine tests, sampling of wounds and brain fluid through lumbar puncture, and MRI scanning if needed.
Even though it sounds troublesome, herpes in babies can generally resolve on its own. However, this condition can also cause death if a viral infection has spread to vital organs. Symptoms of herpes virus can be treated symptomatically, but cannot be completely cured. Herpes in babies is generally treated by giving antiviral drugs to the baby's blood vessels through an IV, and usually takes several weeks. Other treatments are also given to anticipate or overcome seizures and dehydration if the baby has difficulty drinking.
While in pregnant women, to prevent transmission, doctors can recommend a Caesarean section for labor if the mother is diagnosed with herpes. Pregnant women with symptomatic genital herpes may also be advised to undergo antiviral treatment that starts during 36 weeks of pregnancy.
In addition, parents can prevent herpes infections and their transmission to children, among others, by practicing healthy and safe sexual relations. It is better if babies are not kissed by just anyone to prevent herpes infections and other diseases. In order to ensure proper handling, do not hesitate to consult herpes in infants to pediatricians.
Comments
Post a Comment