Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores, Genital Herpes)
Herpes simplex is a virus that can causes a variety of infections. In children, the most commonly seen infection caused by this virus is oral herpes or cold sores. Infection with this virus results in blister like sores in the mouth and around the lips and on tissues that are in contact with the mouth such as thumbs and fingers. Herpes simplex infection can also occur in the external genitalia, vagina or other body area such as the torso, arms or legs.
What are the symptoms of herpes simplex infection?
Symptoms include painful and sometimes itchy small, fluid-filled blisters in the mouth gums and lips or other affected body area. The blisters eventually form a scab or crust over. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise and tender or swollen lymph glands.
How is herpes simplex spread?
Direct contact with the lesions or the saliva or genital secretions of an infected person is the means by which this virus is spread. A person may shed the virus for several weeks following infection. Additionally, the virus may be shed by people with no signs or symptoms. After contact with the virus, it can take 2-12 days before symptoms appear.
How can transmission of herpes simplex virus be prevented or limited?
Practice careful and frequent hand washing to help minimize transmission from both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected persons. Do not share food, drinks, straws, water bottles or other eating utensils, towels or clothing and avoid direct contact with the lesions. Do not allow children to share toys that can be put in their mouths. Mouthed objects should be removed from the play area and sanitized.
Exclusion of orally infected individuals is only necessary when the infected individual does not have control of drooling and exposure to the saliva by other individuals cannot be avoided. Individuals should be excluded from contact sports such as wrestling if lesions are present on the body (outside of the genital area) and the areas cannot be covered. Exclusion should continue until the lesions are dry and scabbed.
