Herpes in a newborn child and infants up to a year: symptoms and methods of treatment. Herpes in infants and newborns Herpes on the body

Herpes is a generalized name for a number of diseases that are caused by various types of the herpes virus. Such a virus can infect any organ in the human body. Children often get herpes because they the immune system not yet fully formed, and the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets.

Herpes on the body of a child is accompanied by pain and itching, sometimes fever. Symptoms depend entirely on the type of herpes that the child has contracted.

Types of herpes

There are several varieties of this virus, however, most often, children get sick with primary herpes. Moreover, from birth, small children, as a rule, receive immunity from their mother, and up to 3-4 years the probability of getting sick is very low.

Modern doctors distinguish 6 types of the virus that children can become infected with:

Ways of transmission of infection and symptoms of herpes

Experts state that by the age of 5-6 years, the herpes virus is already in the body in 85% of children. Therefore, all parents should know how herpes is transmitted, what contributes to the manifestation and what are its first symptoms.

The most common ways of transmission of herpesvirus infection in children:

contact with a carrier of the virus;
while using dishes or any clothes of a sick person;
during pregnancy and childbirth from mother to child;
when breastfeeding, in case of recurrence of herpes in the mother.

Factors contributing to the frequent manifestation of herpes in children:

general condition of the body and immunity;
stressful situations;
the presence of an infectious disease and weakening of the body;
trauma;
active sun (summer is the season of exacerbation of such diseases);
fever, drying of the mucous membranes (for example, with dehydration or overheating of the child).

Symptoms of herpes in children depend on the stage of the disease and the age of the child. They look like this:

Varieties of herpes and their manifestations in children

Usually, the virus stays in the body for a long time without manifesting itself, and is activated only after a decrease in protective forces due to illness, overwork, stress, and hypothermia. In this case, group rashes appear on the mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, and genitals.

Genital herpes

It is considered especially dangerous for pregnant women due to the possible transmission of the virus to the baby at birth. Genital herpes in a child can manifest itself in the first days of life with varying degrees of severity. There are such forms:

For treatment and getting rid of the body from HERPES, many of our readers actively use the well-known method based on natural ingredients, discovered by Elena Malysheva. We definitely recommend checking it out.

Genital herpes in a baby can cause significant complications and unpleasant consequences, such as:

eye and hearing complications;
violations of cardiovascular activity;
neurological lesions;
diseases of internal organs;
defects in the subsequent development of the child.

IN adolescence herpes in the intimate area can manifest itself in the form of rashes: in girls - on the vaginal mucosa, in boys - on the penis. It is transmitted only sexually.

Signs of genital herpes:

feeling of heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen;
rashes in the intimate area;
pain when urinating;
bad dream, headache, fatigue.

How to treat herpes in this form in a teenager should be recommended by a doctor after an examination and diagnosis. The main task at the same time is to observe personal hygiene and undergo a full course of treatment.

Herpes encephalitis in children and its complications

Among viral diseases that negatively and deeply affect the nervous system, about 6% belongs to the herpes virus. The consequences of the penetration of such a herpes virus in a child can be the most severe: from brain disorders to death.

Herpes encephalitis in children begins to develop during the primary infection, penetrating immediately into the brain and causing severe disorders. Mortality from this type of virus is up to 80% of cases, and the remaining 20% lead to disability (epilepsy, pronounced dementia, hydrocephalus).

At the beginning, the disease is expressed by a sharp jump in temperature, and skin rashes are similar to ordinary herpes. But after 2-3 days, convulsions, loss of consciousness, vomiting (not associated with eating) may appear. If herpes is suspected, in children, such symptoms clearly indicate the herpetic form of encephalitis.

When such a diagnosis is made, treatment occurs only in a hospital, sometimes the child ends up in intensive care.

Treatment for this form of herpes in children is carried out using the complex therapy of Acyclovir and immunobiological preparations. In parallel, therapy is carried out to help reduce cerebral edema and detoxify the body.

To improve the child's condition, the following are additionally carried out:

massage;
therapeutic physical exercises;
physiotherapy;
treatment in special sanatoriums.

labial herpes

The location of the rash in the region of the nasolabial triangle is most common in both children and adults and they are caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Herpes on the face of a child can be on the cheeks, lips, eyebrows, chin, forehead, in the nose of a child, near the ears and eyes. The nature of the pain and the vesicles themselves are usually similar, the difference is in the size of the affected area of the skin. Symptoms are also different for different children: toothache or high fever is possible.

Herpes on the nose of a child or near the nose is manifested by the same rashes, but some parents may mistake it for a manifestation of dermatitis. Treatment is with ointments and medicines as in other forms of herpes.

In the case of the location of herpes in the nose (inside on the mucosa), the rash differs in appearance and resembles abscesses. All rashes should be lubricated with ointment. The child needs to be allocated separate towels and handkerchiefs, to limit his close contact with other people.

Feedback from our reader - Alexandra Mateveyeva

I recently read an article that talks about Father George's Monastic collection for the treatment and prevention of Herpes. With the help of this drug, you can FOREVER get rid of HERPES, chronic fatigue, headaches, colds and many other problems.

I was not used to trusting any information, but I decided to check and ordered a package. I noticed changes within a week: the rash disappeared in just a couple of days. After almost a month of taking it, I felt a surge of strength, I was released from constant migraines. Try it and you, and if anyone is interested, then below is a link to the article.

Every time after blowing his nose, he should wash his hands with soap and water. Additionally, to soften the crusts and relieve itching, you can use folk remedies: lubricating the nose with fir oil or propolis tincture.

Herpes caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus

Rashes on other areas of the skin are less common in medical practice, for example, herpes on a child's leg occurs only after touching other people's things or objects, or because of touching first the sore spot, and then the leg.

If the rash is located on the feet or toes, then the varicella-zoster virus is the likely cause. To accurately determine the type of virus, you need to take the child to the doctor and get tested. This is important because therapeutic methods treatment different types viruses are different.

The effect of this type of virus on a child depends on the state of his immune system. With low immunity in children (as in adults), herpes zoster is characterized by severe pain.

Another unpleasant pattern is that this virus is able to spread throughout the body (which is why it is called shingles).

A sign of such a virus is also one-sided herpes on the cheek of a child, or on other parts of the body (also on one side). The rash usually tends to coalesce and form very painful patches. He responds very poorly to treatment.

Treatment of herpetic infection

Each parent should know exactly how and how to treat herpes in children in order to start treatment in a timely manner and exclude the possibility of serious consequences for the child's body. The treatment process should be started after the first suspicion of herpes - this will speed up the healing process.

Herpes infection in children in advanced forms develops into chronic illness and can cause severe complications.

Treatment of herpes in children involves the use of the complex:

Let's refute the delusion of some parents who ask whether it is possible to smear herpes with brilliant green or alcohol? In no case should this be done, because. these substances contain alcohol, which causes burns to the skin and mucous membranes. It is completely useless to smear herpes with any cauterizing agent - this will not affect the virus in any way.

Prevention of herpes

Parents who ask how to cure herpes completely can only answer one thing: it is impossible to eliminate such a disease forever, any treatment for this disease is aimed solely at preventing or reducing the number of relapses (repeated manifestations).

Preventive measures depend on the form of herpes:

It is also necessary to teach the child to observe the following rules:

personal hygiene;
prohibition of the use of other people's things;
avoid contact with sick people;
during epidemics, use antiviral ointments in the nose.

The most effective rule aimed at preventing herpes in children is to constantly monitor the health and condition of the child's skin, so that at the first signs of the appearance of herpes, seek advice from a doctor as soon as possible. pediatrician and start treatment immediately.

Do you still think that it is impossible to get rid of herpes forever?

Herpes is one of the first viruses that children encounter in their lives because the infection almost always comes from the mother. For newborns, herpes infection is considered one of the most dangerous. What to do if the baby has herpes, you will learn by reading this article

Age Features

Herpesviruses are very insidious. They may not cause any harm, existing in the human body all their lives, or they can go from a latent stage to an active one and cause an acute illness, and then “hide” again. Usually in adults, herpes appears when the immune system is weakened due to illness, due to severe stress, nervous strain. In children, herpes develops for exactly the same reasons. However, there important nuance- the immunity of the baby is immature, it is always somewhat weakened.

Up to 6 months, the child is protected by maternal antibodies, he has innate immunity. It copes well with some respiratory viruses, opportunistic bacteria. However, it is quite difficult for him to resist the herpes virus.

The nervous system of a child up to a year undergoes constant intensive changes. Almost all varieties of the herpes virus are neurovirulent - they live in cells nervous system transmitted and spread through the bloodstream. This can have extremely negative manifestations for the immature nervous system of an infant - up to death, if we are talking about a severe congenital herpes infection

Varieties

The most common herpes virus in babies is type 1 virus. It is manifested by the appearance on the lips or in the region of the nasolabial triangle of a noticeable rash that resembles blisters, pimples with watery contents.

Herpesvirus of the second type - genital herpes, babies get it from their mother: either during pregnancy through the uteroplacental blood flow, or during childbirth (through an infected birth canal). It is manifested by a small watery rash in the genital area, anus, as well as on the face, in the region of the lips.

The herpetic virus of the third type in children causes a disease such as chicken pox (chickenpox). In newborns and babies under one year old, chickenpox is rarely diagnosed. Probably, the antibodies that are in the mother's blood provide sufficient temporary protection against the third herpes virus.

If the mother did not have chickenpox, and in a family where there is a newborn, the eldest child fell ill with it, then with big share the chances are that the crumbs will also have characteristic symptoms of chickenpox.

A newborn can also become infected during childbirth - from a mother who, for example, suffered this acute infectious disease shortly before childbirth. Such herpes in infants can be very difficult. Hospitalization may be required.

The fourth type of herpes virus (Epstein-Barr virus) causes infectious mononucleosis. The fifth type of herpesvirus has a second name - cytomegalovirus. It is transmitted from mother to fetus, infection is possible during childbirth and after birth. The sixth type becomes the cause of childhood roseola or pseudorubella, the seventh and eighth types of herpetic viruses are not yet well understood. Doctors suggest that there is some connection between the appearance of such viruses in the body and the formation malignant tumors- sarcoma and lymphoma.

All herpetic viruses enter the human body once in a lifetime. They cannot be cured, they cannot be got rid of, they remain forever. After an acute illness, they go into a latent "sleeping" state and can cause some inconvenience only during periods of adverse effects on the body of factors damaging the immune system.

How does infection occur?

If future mother there is a herpes virus, and it is in a “dormant” stage, nothing threatens the fetus during pregnancy - if a woman takes care of her health, to prevent weakening of the immune system. Herpesviruses are dangerous if a woman becomes infected with them for the first time during pregnancy. Primary infection, which is acute, often leads to spontaneous abortion in the early stages.

If the fetus survives, then often significant disturbances and anomalies occur in its intrauterine development. It happens that infection does not occur through the placenta, but only during childbirth - through the mucous membranes of the birth canal. This infection develops after incubation period, usually 1-4 weeks after the baby is born.

Infection with herpes is possible after the birth of a child.

If a child is most often infected through the placenta and birth canal with rubella, cytomegalovirus, genital herpes, less often with the Epstein-Barr virus, then after birth, the baby can become infected with almost any of the existing types of herpesvirus.

Even viruses of the first and second types can cause severe complications: herpes encephalitis (herpes of the brain), multiple lesions of the herpetic rash of internal organs. Such conditions are treated in intensive care units, intensive care units. Among the most dangerous complications are epilepsy, paralysis and paresis, damage to the optic nerve.

Babies get herpes from adults they come into contact with. About 95% of all people on the planet are carriers of one or another herpetic virus, and they are transmitted by contact, through mucous membranes, skin, sometimes by airborne droplets. If mom and dad have herpes on their lips at least once in their lives, they are carriers

Symptoms and Diagnosis

There are many viruses that cause herpetic diseases, but all infections of this type have common symptoms:

acute and stormy onset;
the appearance of a characteristic herpetic rash;
recovery period with complete disappearance of the rash.

The easiest way to recognize the herpes simplex virus in an infant is by the characteristic formations on the lip, which at first look like separate vesicles, and then merge into a round or oval plaque. The onset of a rash is usually preceded by a fever.

Genital herpes infection, chickenpox, and infectious mononucleosis begin with high fever, pain in muscles and joints, and headaches. The most difficult to recognize is roseola, which begins with a high fever, and the rash appears on the body only after 3-5 days.

Diagnosis of the first two types of herpes and chickenpox does not cause difficulties.

With regard to other types of herpes, even an experienced doctor may have doubts, because the initial acute stage is very similar to SARS or influenza. That is why the called doctor often makes such a diagnosis, the parents fulfill all the appointments, treat the baby.

The true cause of the onset of the disease becomes known in the worst case in the hospital, where the baby and mother get, if the infection has a severe course, complications. IN best case that the baby once suffered a herpes infection, parents will only find out during a large-scale medical examination (for example, when registering a child in a kindergarten or school). The presence of antibodies will show a blood test.

This does not mean that it is impossible in principle to make an accurate diagnosis. For this, only a visual examination of the child is not enough, you need to do a blood test by PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which will show which virus the detected traces of DNA belong to, whether there are antibodies characteristic of carriage (IgG) - or the baby has an acute infectious disease in in full swing (IgM).

Treatment

If we talk about the safety of the child, it is best to undergo treatment for a herpes infection in a newborn in a hospital, where he will be monitored around the clock. Children under one year of age who have already passed the age of the newborn, the doctor can leave for home treatment, but only on condition that the infection occurs only in a mild form. Medium and moderate forms that are allowed for home treatment among children from 1 year, should also be treated under the supervision of the medical staff of the infectious diseases department.

Almost all types of herpes infection in such small patients are usually treated with Acyclovir, and the drug is administered to newborns intravenously - in the form of an injection solution. Anticonvulsant drugs may be prescribed along with an antiherpetic drug, since the risk of developing seizures in newborns is high.

With the herpes simplex virus (rashes on the lip), children older than 3 months can be prescribed Acyclovir in cream topically.

Especially dangerous for children of the first year of life is the first, acute stage of all herpetic diseases, associated with an increase in temperature - sometimes up to 39-40 degrees. High fever must be reduced with the use of antipyretics. Ibuprofen and preparations containing paracetamol are allowed for children by age. It is preferable for newborns to administer rectal suppositories with paracetamol.

On average, the treatment of a herpes infection in very young children is a rather lengthy process, it takes about 3 weeks.

It should be remembered that it is completely impossible to cure herpes, you can only alleviate the symptoms, prevent complications and put the causative agent of the disease into “sleep mode” for the rest of your life.

Self-medication and folk remedies for herpes in newborns and infants are strictly prohibited - serious consequences are possible. You can not treat a child with antibiotics, which do not have the slightest effect on viruses, but at the same time increase the likelihood of complications several times.

Throughout the treatment the child should have an enhanced drinking regimen.
Remove drying herpetic crusts(especially with chickenpox) is strictly prohibited - a secondary bacterial infection may leave scars on the skin.
A child is considered contagious from the first acute symptoms and ceases to pose a danger to other children after the disappearance of the rash.
The presence of herpetic infection in the latent stage is not a reason to postpone preventive vaccinations. They are temporarily postponed until recovery in case of acute herpetic disease. After recovery, the child can be vaccinated according to the national vaccination schedule.
After recovery, parents should pay special attention to strengthening the immunity of the baby.. If the body's defense is strong, then a relapse is unlikely. The baby must eat properly, complementary foods should be introduced at the right time.

Children under one year old should spend as much time as possible outdoors. The apartment should maintain a certain temperature regime - no higher than 20 degrees. A good prevention of herpes recurrence is hardening, which parents can practice almost immediately after the baby is born.

herpes viral infection is the most common. This virus has several types of diseases, it affects almost all human organs. A feature of herpes infection is that infection among children occurs more often than in adults. The reason is the prevalence of infection on a large scale. In children, the herpes virus is the most common disease of the skin and mucous membranes.

How can a child get herpes?

Is it possible to pass the infection to the baby? Since the disease is contagious, it is certainly transmitted. When a virus enters a child's body, it remains there for life.

The source of infection is a sick person who has herpes. The causative agent of infection is the herpes simplex virus and chickenpox.

Way of infection in children:

domestic;
airborne;
during childbirth from the mother;
during blood transfusion.

Very often, the infection of a child comes from a parent. Taking care and paying attention to their child, parents are not always careful in the relationship when they are carriers of herpes, even in a latent form. While touching each other, hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing, through saliva when talking, you can infect the baby with herpes.

The spread of the disease can also be in a domestic form. Directly this is the general use of towels, washcloths, visiting baths and saunas together with children. In infants, herpes can appear when a parent takes the baby's nipple in his mouth before serving it to him, licking the spoon with food.

If the parents and the closest circle of friends of the family do not suffer from herpes, then the baby, being at the age of 2-3 years, may encounter a carrier and become infected from it.

Also, infection of a child can occur from a sick mother during pregnancy, the postpartum period. The threat of infection of the fetus is very high, it can lead to miscarriage. Very often there is a transmission of infection from mother to newborn. This period is quite difficult, you need to be more careful and protect the baby from infection. Since the mother limits her diet during breastfeeding, gives all the vitamins with milk to the baby, loses the strength of the body, her immunity decreases, and therefore a relapse of the disease occurs.

Reasons why herpes is transmitted:

Cold.
Hypothermia.
Weakened immunity.
Unbalanced diet (there are no nutrients and vitamins necessary for the baby).
stressful situations.
Weather conditions (usually autumn, winter).

How does a herpes infection manifest itself in children?

Signs of infection in childhood are similar to adult herpes, often appear more defiantly and vividly. A very significant point here is at what age the child became infected.

Infection with a newborn virus is called neonatal herpes. It is characterized by specific symptoms and a severe course of the disease. This disease causes multiple damage to the internal organs (lungs, kidneys, liver), as well as the brain and spinal cord. If a sick baby has an intrauterine herpes infection, he may not survive, but become incapacitated during his lifetime.

Older children have different symptoms. In the early stages of infection with the virus in children, herpes may not manifest itself.

Main symptoms:

Feeling of discomfort in the corners of the lips.
There is tingling on the cheeks.
The skin itches.
On the scratched areas of the skin, small blisters filled with liquid form.
Rashes appear.
The body temperature rises.
The body is chilly.
General malaise.
Weakness.

Sore throats and headaches are often confused with a cold and do not cure the infection right away.

The resulting blisters are located throughout the body, capturing a large area of the lesion. Bubbles in children are pronounced, compared with adults. If herpes gingivitis or stomatitis develops, blisters form in the mouth.

Frequent manifestation of herpes can be observed with reduced immunity. A stressful situation, a sharp change in climate, the development of colds can serve as a relapse. Sometimes, exacerbation is preceded by diseases of the nervous system, stomach and intestines, poor nutrition.

Infection with genital herpes in children occurs, but very rarely.

In which case is it most likely to pick up an infection?

The most dangerous source of infection is a sick person who has obvious signs of herpes on his face. In his body, a significant number of virus particles predominate, which are practically in the environment. Therefore, you should not communicate closely with such a person and do not touch him with your hands.

Is it possible to transmit the virus from an infected patient who does not have a rash?

Transmission of the virus in this situation is possible. If there are no rashes, this does not mean that there is no virus in the body. Virus particles at this time are found in cells and tissues, while most of them are destroyed by the body's protective immune system. At the same time, individual particles of infection can prevail in tears, saliva, vaginal mucosa, on the skin near a minor scratch.

The most significant transmission of infection is from mother to child. Since the contact between them is constant and close than with other family members. Therefore, it is more likely to pass the infection to the child, even if there is no relapse.

Chickenpox in children

In children's and preschool institutions, a child can become infected with type 3 herpes - chickenpox. The course of the disease proceeds with an increase in temperature and deterioration of the whole organism as a whole. Eruptions appear all over the body. First it's red dots and then watery blisters. You can’t bathe a child, lubricate the bubbles with brilliant green. After a week, crusts form on the areas of the rash, which then fall off. The general condition returns to normal.

The virus causes this type of herpes 1 time in a lifetime. After the final recovery, the infection remains in the body.

What are the consequences for children after infection

Children under one year of age and newborns are protected from the virus. They get immunity to herpes from their mother. After 2 years, the protective force disappears and immunity weakens. Herpes occurs in children aged 3 years and older, as the immune system is still weak and unable to fight infection. There are times when the consequences of the transmission of herpes are serious complications that affect all organs and systems of the body. These include:

damage to the eyeball;
disease auricle which often leads to deafness;
herpetic diseases (gingivitis, stomatitis);
damage to the heart and vascular system;
damage to the nervous system and brain;
damage to internal organs.

Complications are quite serious, it is very difficult to cope with them. If children's immunity is not strengthened, then there is a threat to life or disability.

Preventive measures for infection

All parents want to protect their baby from all diseases. Unfortunately, this is impossible to do. Communication every day with different people, a weak immune system in children, not observing basic hygiene rules in the family, so you can expose the child to frequent infections.

If among relatives suffer from herpes, it will be very difficult not to infect the rest of the family. The question is brewing: "Is it possible to transmit herpes to the baby from the mother or father, if the infection is already present"? It is worth knowing about such moments. Is it possible to infect children with strangers through contact with children in the garden. There is no single answer. It all depends on the infection, how it will manifest itself.

Having an infection in the body, each parent thinks how not to infect his child with herpes, since the disease will interfere with him all his life. In this case, to protect against herpes, it is worth taking preventive measures. It is necessary to teach the baby to avoid close communication with strangers.

Basic rules for disease prevention:

limit communication with the child of people infected with herpes;
quickly eliminate your infection so that transmission to the baby does not occur;
it is necessary to harden children from an early age;
wash hands before eating;
use of a bandage if the mother is in contact with the child;
do not overcool;
observe the rules of personal hygiene;
consume vitamins.

Herpes in children is less common than in adults, however, it is not such a rare occurrence. This disease is transmitted to children from adults and other children with an exacerbation of herpes infection, since this disease is very contagious. If the herpes virus has already entered the child's body, it remains there forever.

How can a child get herpes?

Do children get herpes? Is herpes transmitted to a child? Of course, it happens and is transmitted, as it is a very contagious disease.

Infection of a child can occur when the herpes virus enters the body, which after the introduction remains there for life.

The source of infection is a sick person with herpes manifestations. The causative agent of infection in this case is most often the herpes simplex virus and the varicella-zoster virus. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1 (it causes herpes on the lips, oral mucosa, in the throat) and HSV-2 (the causative agent of genital herpes).

Infection of children with HSV-1 occurs most often after the age of three to four years, before this age, the introduction of the virus is prevented by antibodies received by the child from the mother during fetal development and with her milk in the first year of life. Children become infected when they kiss, when the patient's saliva enters the Airways during a conversation, coughing, sneezing, through objects on which the patient's saliva remained. With this infection, the symptoms of herpes appear after a few days. And they appear in the form of characteristic rashes on the lips, stomatitis or herpetic sore throat. Primary herpes is often severe, but subsequent ones are milder, usually as a "cold" on the lips. Almost all adults are infected with HSV-1.

Infection of a child with HSV-2 is also possible, but is much less common. In this case, herpetic eruptions appear on the genitals.

The cause of the appearance of herpes can also be the causative agent of chickenpox varicella zoster (type 3 herpes viruses). In a child who has had chickenpox, the causative agent of the disease does not disappear, but hides in the nerve ganglia throughout life. With a decrease in immunity, the herpes virus in children multiplies and causes characteristic changes on the skin - herpes zoster or shingles. Herpes zoster often appears in old age, but can also appear in weakened children who have previously had chickenpox.

Infection with herpes of newborns can occur during fetal development (if a woman first becomes infected with herpes during pregnancy), during childbirth when passing through the birth canal infected with the herpes virus, and after childbirth from a mother or other people suffering from herpes.

How is herpes in newborns

Regardless of how the infection occurred, herpes in newborns (neonatal herpes) is very difficult. Intrauterine infection has a particularly severe course. In this disease, the herpes virus in newborns causes multiple lesions of the internal organs (liver, kidneys, lungs, and others), the brain and spinal cord. A child with intrauterine herpes infection, if it survives, remains disabled.

When infected during childbirth and after childbirth, herpetic infection is easier, sometimes only in the form of skin lesions or mucous membranes. However, this process also tends to generalize and spread to all organs and systems of the child.

There are three forms of neonatal herpes:

limited - with damage to the skin, oral mucosa, eyes;
with damage to the central nervous system - meningoencephalitis, mental retardation develop;
disseminated - microcephaly develops (a decrease in the volume of the brain), severe damage to the organs of vision, and so on.

Herpes in children under one year old - symptoms and course

Herpes in an infant develops quite rarely, since infants still have good immunity, transmitted to them by their mother during fetal development and breastfeeding.

HSV-1 infection can occur if the child is weakened (for example, born prematurely, lags behind in physical development, has been ill with some acute illness etc). Infection with HSV-2 is also possible - this type of herpes simplex virus is quickly transmitted by contact.

Primary herpes in an infant can be severe, with lesions of the oral mucosa (stomatitis), gums (gingivitis), throat (herpetic sore throat). Herpes may appear on the cheek of a child, herpes on the tongue of a child, and so on. As a rule, the disease proceeds with high temperature sometimes with impaired consciousness and convulsions. But this is not always the case, sometimes primary herpes is mild, with a slight temperature and a “cold” on the lips.

Herpes in infants in the form of a relapse of infection, including herpes in one year old baby usually runs smoothly.

Symptoms of herpes in children

Herpes in children after three years is quite common. The herpes simplex virus in a child causes various kinds of inflammatory processes and to school age most children are infected with HSV-1. Both primary herpes and its subsequent relapses occur differently in different children - it all depends on the general condition of the body and especially on the state of immunity.

Primary viral herpes in children preschool age just like in infants, it can be severe, in the form of herpetic sore throat or stomatitis. The skin of the red border of the lips, around the lips, in the forehead and ear may also be affected. Herpes on the chin in a child can manifest itself in the form of large bubble clusters and spread to the skin of other areas of the face. Herpes on the head of a child is almost always a consequence of infection with HSV-1. But in some cases, the varicella-zoster virus can be the cause of the disease, sometimes its symptoms are difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of HSV-1.

This disease is characterized by a sharp rise in temperature to very high numbers, the appearance of chills, headache, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. At very severe course transient disturbances of consciousness and convulsions may occur.

On the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, gums, pharynx, redness, swelling first appear, and then multiple bubble rashes that quickly burst and turn into sores. The disease lasts up to two weeks, the field of which the temperature subsides, and the elements of the rash undergo reverse development.

Herpes recurrences are usually mild, with minor rashes on the lips. As immunity strengthens, relapses may disappear altogether, and will no longer bother the child.

How dangerous is herpes for a child

Herpes in children, first of all, is dangerous because it is prone to generalization, that is, to spread to other organs and systems, including the brain and spinal cord. Therefore, if such a complication (clouding of consciousness, convulsions) is suspected, the child must be urgently hospitalized.

A great danger is also the introduction of a herpes infection on the mucous membrane of the eyes. As a result, the cornea of the eyes is affected, followed by the development of persistent visual impairment up to blindness.

The spread of infection on the skin of the hands sometimes leads to the development of eczema.

Children's herpes - how it is detected

Herpes in young children can be detected by taking a smear from lesions on the skin or mucous membranes. In this case, the PCR method (polymerase chain reaction) can detect the DNA of the infectious agent.

Herpes in the blood of a child can be detected by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) - antibodies to herpes viruses are found in the blood of a child. At the same time, antibodies detected in primary herpes and relapse belong to different classes of immunoglobulins. So, during the primary infection with herpes, antibodies of the immunoglobulin M (IgM) class are first produced. These are temporary antibodies that disappear after a while. Antibodies of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) class are produced later and remain in the body for life. At the same time, at the beginning of the disease, early IgG are produced, which have loose bonds with the antigen - the herpes virus. The detection of these early IgGs proves the presence of a primary infection. With a recurrence of the disease, late IgG will be detected in the blood, which have strong links with the herpes virus.

How to cure herpes in a child

It is impossible to completely remove the herpes virus from the body, and there is no need for this - if the child has good immunity, relapses usually do not occur, and if they do, they proceed easily. Therefore, you should not treat a child if he does not have any manifestations of herpes.

With a very wide distribution of herpes simplex viruses in nature, the introduction of HSV-1 into the body in childhood is even useful, especially in girls - this will save them from the risk of primary infection during pregnancy. In addition, it was found that in the presence of HSV-1 in the body, the risk of infection with HSV-2, which causes genital herpes, is somewhat reduced.

So the main method of treating herpes in children is to strengthen the immune system. Immunity can be strengthened by observing the daily routine, maximum exposure to fresh air, rational nutrition and sanitation of any foci of infection in the child's body. Most often, such foci of infection are chronic adenoiditis, chronic tonsillitis, carious teeth, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the bronchopulmonary and urinary systems, and so on.

If all these conditions are observed, the child's immunity will be strengthened and the herpetic infection will not manifest itself in any way.

(4 Votes)

Herpes is a viral disease that is one of the most common in the world. It can manifest both and on the genitals, in the form of rashes with the appearance of blistering formations. The most common types of the disease are labinal, manifesting on the lips, and. The disease does not seem dangerous, but under certain conditions it can be fatal. How herpes is transmitted should be known not only by those who have had it, but also by completely healthy people, so as not to become infected due to ignorance.

Causes and symptoms of the disease

Herpes is an infectious disease caused by various types viruses. Most of the people on our planet are carriers of the disease. Many infected people do not know anything about it and do not even suspect it. After infection, the disease can be in a "sleeping" form for a long time, without manifesting itself. With the onset of a favorable moment for the disease, the pathology is activated.

Most often this happens due to the following factors:

weakened immunity due to previous diseases or due to general malaise;
hypothermia or severe overheating with further rapid cooling;
mental overstrain or prolonged stressful situations;
sexual intercourse without the use of contraception with an infected partner;
severe intoxication.

Because of these factors, the virus is activated in an infected person.

The disease is accompanied by the following symptoms:

redness occurs with the subsequent manifestation of burning and itching;
after a few days, bubble formations appear;
in the affected area there are quite pronounced pain sensations.

Many believe that the disease is not dangerous, perceiving it as a cosmetic defect, and also do not know if herpes is transmitted to other people. However, this disease is not just an annoying "sore". The disease may affect internal organs, eyes or nervous system. In this case, vision is impaired, in some cases blindness occurs. It can provoke both severe fever and intoxication.

In pregnant women, miscarriages occur because of it, the development of the fetus may be impaired. If left untreated, the disease can lead to lethal outcome. These are quite rare manifestations, however, every person should know that herpes is contagious and dangerous.

You can protect yourself from such a danger. This requires knowledge about what ways of transmission of herpes exist.

Airborne transmission of the virus

Herpes of the first type is transmitted by airborne droplets. This happens in the same way as with influenza infection. Consider the case: a person is infected with herpes and the virus is active. When talking to him, he suddenly starts coughing or sneezing. At the same time, mucus and sputum secreted due to a cold quickly scatters into the surrounding space. Such small particles, together with air, enter into respiratory system interlocutor. Small parts of the sputum of an infected person, having fallen on other people's mucous membranes, further perform the “work” of any virus - they tend to enter the bloodstream or lymph flow paths. The infection has happened. This does not mean that the newly infected person will immediately have "sores" on the lips. This requires the conditions described above.

The most dangerous period in which the infection of others will occur with a very high probability is the activation of the virus. At this time, the patient's main symptom is visible on the face. Popularly called "cold on the lips" is easy to notice. In this case, it is not safe to talk too closely with such a person.

It is worth noting that the virus is transmitted only from person to person. If herpes appeared, then its transmission from animals could not have occurred. "Culprit" can only be a person.

There is a sixth type of virus, about which complete information not yet. However, it is known that they only become infected. Its distribution is carried out precisely through the air.

In the same way, herpes is transmitted, which provokes chicken pox. Because of the possibility of such infection, a patient with chickenpox must be isolated from others. Quarantine is removed after the cessation of the appearance of new rashes. Chickenpox is more common in children. After recovery occurs, the body develops immunity to re-infection.

Due to restrictions on the movement of the patient chicken pox First of all, relatives are at risk of infection. The more weakened the immune system, the more likely it is that a person who has not had chickenpox will become infected with chickenpox. The disease in adults is very difficult to tolerate.

sexually transmitted infection

The possibility of such infection is no less common than the previous way. In this way, they become infected with genital herpes, which is a disease of the second type. Rashes appear in intimate places. In this regard, herpes is one of the diseases that is sexually transmitted.

Herpes is a very difficult disease to treat. If infection has occurred, then the disease will periodically remind of its existence. Periodic exacerbations are possible. At the same time, a person is not only a carrier, but also a distributor of pathology.

Can you get genital herpes through a condom during sex? This is one of the most common questions among young people. The use of a condom increases the probability of protection by up to 85 percent, if it is, of course, reliable. However, the virus "feels comfortable" in almost any biological fluid or human organ. It can be found not only in vaginal secretions or semen, but also in saliva or tears. His presence may also be in the sweat that often accompanies the sexual process. Any body contact increases the risk of infection.

If sex occurs during a period of exacerbation, when herpes blisters appear, then no most reliable condom will save you from infection. In such rashes is the maximum concentration of infection.

Infection can occur during various sexual contacts:

Traditional sex. In the absence of contraception, biological fluids enter the genitals.
Anal sex. In the presence of a rash in the anus or genitals, infection is inevitable. Through a condom, the infection itself does not penetrate. This significantly increases the chances of not getting infected.
Oral sex leads to mutual transmission from one partner to another of herpes of the first or second type. At the same time, a cold on the lips (first type), once in the inguinal region, manifests itself as signs characteristic of genital infection (second type) and vice versa.

contact method of transmission

This method of infection involves contact with an infected fluid that is inside the blisters. Infection occurs when there are micro-wounds or more serious damage on the skin. Through them, the virus enters the body.

There is such a thing as self-infection. It manifests itself in the case when the patient himself touches with his hands small blisters that have appeared on the body. Then, without washing his already infected upper limbs, he touches other parts of the body with them. With the same dirty hands, you can infect another adult or small child. The main condition for such a "forced" infection is the presence of small cracks or wounds that can be touched.

Upon contact with a healthy skin covering saliva, sweat or tears of an infected person, infection is unlikely. However, the blood or contents of the patient's blisters significantly increase the likelihood of this possibility. Boxers, wrestlers and other athletes in contact sports are most susceptible to infection in this way.

Transmission of infection in the home

Whether herpes is contagious is of interest to so many people, because of the possibility of infection by the contact-household method. The answer in this case can be given when considered in conjunction with the other two frequently asked questions. How many days is herpes contagious, and how can you get herpes in everyday life.

Such a path is unlikely, but quite possible. The viability of the virus under different conditions may be different. It can exist both in frost and at temperatures up to +50 ° C. However, most often, in domestic conditions, the virus does not survive for long, a few minutes. He feels comfortable only in the human body. But if certain conditions are created - warm and humid, then even in everyday life its viability will be about 10 hours.

Because of this, sometimes infection occurs when using common objects. Infection is very likely when using the same table sets. The transmission of herpes can be facilitated by underwear, creams and other cosmetics, as well as a shared towel. Shaving alone is the most likely way to transmit the virus. In the case of cuts, the possibility of infection increases significantly.

An example from life: the use of one toothbrush by a sick and healthy person is an indicative way of infection. Such a moist oral care item in a warm bathroom will keep the virus viable for a long time. Under these conditions, the virus will definitely get into oral cavity, where "successfully settled" on the mucous membranes.

Transmission of the virus through the blood

In our country, the blood donated by donors is not tested for herpes. If there are no clearly expressed symptoms, then no one will ask if the person is contagious or not. In this situation, the danger is a direct blood transfusion.

Organ transplantation can also be accompanied by a certain probability of contracting herpes.

The most dangerous way is vertical

All the previously described ways of contracting the virus do not carry such a danger as the transmission of the infection by inheritance. This is an infection transmitted from mother to child during gestation, in utero. With such an infection, the baby may manifest various pathologies. This is not only a miscarriage during gestation, but also improper development, malfunctions of the nervous system, and even sudden death already after birth.

Of particular danger to young children is (herpes of the fifth type), which can be transmitted in any way, both in utero and through breast milk. Under its influence, the cells stop dividing and begin to swell greatly. If infection has occurred, then there is a possibility of the birth of a child with a cripple.

Modern medicine has developed means to prevent the possibility of infection of the baby during natural childbirth. In this regard, the problem of infection in the birth canal is no longer urgent.

Virus Protection Measures

Herpes from a person who has activated the virus can be transmitted in various ways. Methods of infection are described above.

Regardless of them, there are general rules reduce the chance of infection. These include:

Compliance with elementary hygiene rules is mandatory. Hands should be washed not only after doing dirty work, but also after visiting public places or traveling in transport.
Personal hygiene items should be your own. This should also include underwear, towels and cosmetics.
Sexual relations should not be promiscuous. When having sexual intercourse with a new partner, you must use protective equipment.
Close contact with people who have an active disease should be avoided.
Own immunity must be maintained at a high level. This requires not only eating well and properly, as well as drinking vitamins, but also getting enough sleep, taking walks in the fresh air, and giving up bad habits.
Avoid kissing strangers, especially children, as they are more likely to get infected and then spread the disease.
In no case should a child be allowed to take something from someone else's mouth, even from relatives with whom there is little communication.

It should be remembered that a visit to the doctor in case of manifestation of the disease is mandatory. Even if the disease reappeared. The treatment regimen must be followed. Apply ointment in a timely manner. In order not to infect family members, use separate cutlery.