What is the main cause of herpes simplex?
What is the main cause of herpes simplex?
Herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. These viruses are contagious, and they are transmitted from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact. Kissing or touching is the main cause of HSV 1 transmission, and sexual contact is the main cause of HSV 2 transmission.
How does a child get oral herpes?
They can spread through saliva, skin-to-skin contact, or by touching an object handled by someone infected with the virus. When a child develops a cold sore for the first time (also called primary HSV), the blisters often spread beyond the lips to the mouth and gums.
Can a child get herpes simplex from a cold sore?
Key points about cold sores in children. Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex virus in a cold sore is contagious. It can be spread to others by kissing, sharing cups or utensils, sharing washcloths or towels, or by touching the cold sore before it is healed.
How does a person get herpes simplex 1?
Most people get HSV-1 (herpes simplex type 1) as an infant or child. This virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact with an adult who carries the virus. An adult does not have to have sores to spread the virus. A person usually gets HSV-2 (herpes simplex type 2) through sexual contact.
What causes the appearance of herpes in children?
However, there are other possible sources for the appearance of herpes in children: During delivery: it can happen if the mother has an active infection. Direct contagion: by kisses or contact with the affected areas. Herpes is an extremely contagious infection.
What is the risk of neonatal herpes simplex virus?
The neonatal herpes simplex virus infection rate is considered to be less than 2% when the mother has active infection caused by the shedding of herpes simplex virus acquired before pregnancy or during the first half of pregnancy (recurrent infection).
Can a baby get herpes simplex from a mother?
A: Herpes simplex is a virus that can be passed from mother to baby, and potentially cause a serious infection in a newborn. Q: How common is neonatal herpes simplex? A: About 1 out of every 3,500 babies born in the United States contracts neonatal herpes simplex. Q: Why is neonatal herpes simplexa problem?
What are the symptoms of herpes simplex virus in children?
Symptoms include a small blister or group of blisters on the lips and mouth that enlarge, leak fluid, then crust over. In most children, cold sores do not cause complications. Rarely, the herpes simplex virus can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). This is a serious illness and needs to be treated right away.
Where does the herpes simplex virus come from?
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, APRN on February 27, 2019 Recently Updated — Written by Elly Dock. The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is an infection that causes herpes. Herpes can appear in various parts of the body, most commonly on the genitals or mouth. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus.
Can you get herpes simplex from a sore?
You can get a herpes simplex virus from touching a herpes sore. Most people, however, get herpes simplex from an infected person who does not have sores. Doctors call this “asymptomatic viral shedding.”