Protect Our Children from Herpes Virus Infection

Herpes viruses can affect anyone, including children and toddlers. One symptom of a herpes virus attack in children is blisters around the lips. This infection of the herpes virus becomes dangerous when the virus in the blisters is widespread and affects other limbs 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 or also called oral herpes simplex, more often causes blisters around the mouth or face. Whereas herpes simplex type 2 or also called genital herpes simplex, often causes blisters on the genitals.

In infants less than three months old, the herpes virus can spread to other body parts, 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 facial wounds may be due to transmission from other children who have been infected first. This transmission can occur if they share toys, cutlery, or cups with other infected children.

This virus can also be transmitted from saliva of infected adults when kissing children. Infected people do not necessarily have visible blisters. Meanwhile, genital herpes simplex virus can be transmitted from mother to baby when the baby is born.

Symptoms of primary infection (first attack) Herpes virus in children usually occurs in children under the age of 5 years. 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 glands, inflammation of the gums, high fever, sore throat, toddlers who produce more saliva than usual, dehydration, nausea and headache. However, the symptoms that appear can be very mild so parents do not realize it.

These symptoms generally subside after 1-2 weeks. Sometimes, this virus can remain in the body without causing disease. Later illnesses can reappear when certain conditions trigger, such as fever or stress.

Handling and Caring for Herpes Virus Infection in Children

Herpes virus infections have not yet been cured. When infected, the herpes virus will remain in the body's nerves and will cause symptoms later 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.

The following is a guide for caring for a child infected with the herpes virus:

• Immediately check with your pediatrician, especially if the child has an impaired immune system before being infected. The doctor may give antiviral drugs to help the body eradicate the herpes virus in the child's body.
• If the child feels pain, give a mild pain reliever, such as paracetamol. Don't give aspirin to children less than 16 years old because it can cause Reye's syndrome that can be life-threatening.
• To relieve swelling and redness in the wound, you can place ice wrapped in a towel or small towel that has been moistened in the affected area.
• Avoid giving salty and acidic foods, such as tomatoes, which can cause more painful sores.
• Eat foods that are soft and cold.
• A pain reliever ointment can be applied with attention to the usage guidelines, especially if the child is less than 12 months old. It's better if all drugs are prescribed by a doctor.
• Give your child more fluids to prevent dehydration. As for babies, mothers can continue breastfeeding.
• Encourage children to rinse their mouthwash if they brush their teeth pain due to gingivitis.
• Remind your child not to touch the wound.

There are various preventive measures that can be taken to ward off the herpes virus in children. In order for children to avoid the herpes virus, it's good to prohibit anyone from kissing it, especially in newborns. At home and at school, avoid sharing eating and drinking equipment, such as cups and spoons, with other children, and teach children to wash their hands regularly.

The most important thing, if your child is having a herpes virus infection, it is advisable to let him rest at home until his condition is fully recovered. In addition to accelerating healing, also to avoid transmission to other children in school.

Label : Family cat_Family