Herpes in babies will cause blisters to appear in the mouth and around the baby's lips or on other parts of his body. These blisters will be painful and can make the baby fussy. If your little one has herpes, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Herpes in infants is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The type of herpes virus that most often causes herpes in infants is herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), but sometimes herpes simplex virus type 2 can also infect babies.
Transmission of the HSV virus can occur through skin contact, saliva, or when your child touches an object that has been contaminated with the herpes virus. The herpes virus can also be easily transmitted when in contact with blisters with herpes, for example on the skin or lips.
This is the reason it is not recommended for mothers to let their little ones be kissed by just anyone. In addition, babies are also at risk of contracting the herpes virus from mothers who suffer from genital herpes during the delivery process.
Symptoms of Herpes in Newborns
Symptoms of herpes are generally characterized by blisters around the mouth, nose, cheeks, and chin. After a few days, these sores will rupture, then form a crust and heal in 1-2 weeks.
In addition, herpes in infants can also cause the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fussy and cry a lot
- Not wanting to eat or drink
- Swollen gums
- Dripping saliva
- His skin and eyes look yellow
- Weak and less responsive when called or invited to play
- Rashes and blisters appear on the skin
Usually, the blisters caused by herpes will heal on their own in about 2 weeks. However, when the baby has blisters due to herpes, he will feel pain and fussy and not want to eat and drink. This makes the baby vulnerable to dehydration.
If left untreated, herpes in babies can also cause problems with their breathing, brain, or nervous system. Therefore, you need to immediately check your little one to the doctor if he shows symptoms of herpes.
Herpes in Babies Can Be Dangerous
Without proper and early treatment, the herpes virus can easily spread to other organs of the body, such as the eyes, lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain of the baby.
If herpes has attacked various organs, the baby can experience very serious health problems, such as seizures, decreased consciousness, shortness of breath, blindness, to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Herpes virus infection is also a high risk of threatening the baby's life.
Therefore, herpes in infants needs to get treatment from a doctor immediately. Treatments carried out by doctors generally aim to relieve symptoms and help the herpes recovery process in babies and prevent dangerous complications.
Steps for Handling and Prevention of Herpes in Babies
To treat herpes in babies, doctors can give antiviral drugs, such as: acyclovir, by infusion. Babies will also be given fluid intake through an IV to treat or prevent dehydration.
In addition, the doctor may also provide breathing assistance and oxygen if the baby has difficulty breathing.
Meanwhile, in pregnant women who suffer from genital herpes, the doctor may suggest a caesarean delivery to prevent transmission of the herpes virus to their babies through the birth canal. Pregnant women who are infected with the herpes virus may also be given treatment with antivirals.
If you or other family members show symptoms of herpes, take the following steps to reduce the risk of transmitting herpes to your baby:
- Avoid kissing the baby.
- Wash your hands thoroughly every time you want to touch the baby.
- Clean the breast first before feeding the baby.
- Cover the blisters on the skin or lips with sterile gauze.
Herpes in infants can not be underestimated. The younger the baby is when exposed to herpes, the higher the risk of spreading the infection to various organs which can be fatal.
Therefore, immediately check your little one to the pediatrician if he shows symptoms of herpes. With early treatment from a doctor, the risk of your little one experiencing dangerous complications due to herpes can be minimized.