The herpes virus can attack anyone, including children and toddlers. One of the symptoms of herpes virus attack in children is blisters around the lips. This herpes virus infection becomes dangerous when the virus in the blisters spreads widely and infects other parts of the body such as the brain and eyes.
In general, the herpes virus in children or in adults is also called the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes simplex virus and both can cause blisters on the face and genital area. Herpes simplex virus type 1, also known as oral herpes simplex, more often causes blisters around the mouth or face. While herpes simplex type 2, also known as genital herpes simplex, often causes blisters on the genitals.
In infants less than three months old, the herpes virus can spread to other parts of the body, namely the brain and eyes, causing serious health problems, such as encephalitis and herpes keratitis.
Symptoms and Transmission of Herpes Virus Infection in Children
Symptoms of the herpes simplex virus in children in the form of sores on the face can be the result of transmission from other children who have been infected first. This transmission can occur if they share toys, eating utensils, or cups with other infected children.
This virus can also be transmitted from the saliva of an infected adult when kissing a child. Infected people do not necessarily have visible blisters. Meanwhile, the genital herpes simplex virus can be transmitted from mother to baby when the baby is born.
Symptoms of primary infection (first attack) of the herpes virus in children usually occur in children under 5 years of age. In addition to blisters around the mouth, other symptoms that may be seen when a child is first infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1 are swollen lymph nodes, inflammation of the gums, high fever, sore throat, toddler salivating more than usual, dehydration, nausea, and headache. However, the symptoms that appear can be so mild that parents don't even notice.
These symptoms generally subside after 1-2 weeks. Sometimes, this virus can stay in the body without causing disease. The disease can then reappear when triggered by certain conditions, such as fever or stress.
Handling and Caring for Herpes Virus Infections in Children
Herpes virus infection until now has not been cured. When infected, the herpes virus will stay in the nerves of the body and will cause symptoms later in life if the child's body condition weakens. Treatment that can be given is only to relieve symptoms, help children eat and drink to prevent dehydration, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Here is a guide to caring for a child infected with the herpes virus:
- Immediately consult a pediatrician, especially if the child has had a compromised immune system before being infected. The doctor may give you antiviral drugs to help the body eradicate the herpes virus in the child's body.
- If the child feels sick, give a mild pain reliever, such as paracetamol. Do not give aspirin to children younger than 16 years as it can cause life-threatening Reye's syndrome.
- To relieve swelling and redness of the wound, you can place ice wrapped in a towel or a small moistened towel on the affected area.
- Avoid giving salty and acidic foods, such as tomatoes, which can cause the wound to hurt more.
- Eat soft, cold foods.
- Pain relief ointment can be applied following the directions for use, especially if the child is less than 12 months old. It is better if all drugs are prescribed by a doctor.
- Give your child more fluids to prevent dehydration. As for the baby, the mother can continue breastfeeding.
- Invite children to rinse with mouthwash if brushing teeth really hurts due to gingivitis.
- Remind the child not to touch the wound.
There are various preventive steps that can be taken to ward off the herpes virus in children. In order for children to avoid the herpes virus, it's a good idea to forbid just anyone from kissing them, especially newborns. At home and at school, avoid sharing eating and drinking utensils, such as cups and spoons, with other children, and teach children to wash their hands regularly.
Most importantly, if your child is experiencing a herpes virus infection, it is advisable to let him rest at home until his condition is fully recovered. In addition to speeding up healing, it is also to avoid transmission to other children at school.