Herpes Virus - Concern

Updated on October 11, 2010
Y.W. asks from Bernardston, MA
8 answers

We have invited some co-workers to spend the weekend, however we just found out that their son (3 yrs) has gotten herpes from his mom. We are told that it has been two weeks and he is no longer contagious. I have a 5 year old daughter and concerned about the possibility of her contracting the virus through play. Should I be concerned about the kids spending time together and canceling the weekend plans?

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M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Here is some info on Herpes - Herpes simplex 1 (VERY COMMON, MOST PEOPLE HAVE IT). Kids can get it from getting a kiss from their Aunt, Grandma - anyone w/an active coldsore.
Simplex 2 - you shouldn't have to worry about this one.

What's a Cold Sore?
Cold sores, which are small and somewhat painful blisters that usually show up on or around a person's lips, are caused by the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). But they don't just show up on the lips. They can sometimes be inside the mouth, on the face, or even inside or on the nose. These places are the most common, but sores can appear anywhere on the body, including the genital area.

Genital herpes isn't typically caused by HSV-1; it's caused by another type of the herpes simplex virus called herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and is spread by sexual contact. But even though HSV-1 typically causes sores around the mouth and HSV-2 causes genital sores, these viruses can cause sores in either place.

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I take it that you mean Herpes Simplex that causes cold sores? Two weeks is plenty of time for him not to be contagious. Keep an eye on him to see if any blister-looking places or raised places appear on his lips, around his nose or on his chin. Since your daughter is older and can follow this -tell her never to drink or eat after him or put her mouth on things he's put his mouth on. Your child probably goes to kindergarten, and whenever she's out in public at a playground or play place, you never know who -adult or child -has just touched something while having an active cold sore. Don't change your plans -it should be just fine.

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G.T.

answers from Modesto on

if blisters arent present then its usually not contagious at the time. Your daughter is going to be exposed to many things without you ever knowing so I would not lose a friendship over it. You might just talk to the mom about it, she is probably very up to date on the virus and would not knowing expose anyone. I'm sure over half of America has herpes, so its not something eany of us can shy away from forever.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I think some education all around is called for here!

Are these fever blisters in the mouth? Don't kiss, share cups or utensils with the infected people/persons. Do you know how many people get cold sores in their life? Almost everyone!

If it is the "below the waist" herpes--they've got bigger problems than a weekend away.

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D.B.

answers from Boston on

You've all been exposed to herpes simplex many times, frankly. It's out there. The only difference here is that the people have actually told you, which is good. People may have visible cold sores, or not. In general, it's important to teach our kids to wash hands a lot and keep their hands to themselves. If his cold sore is scabbed over, he's probably not that contagious, but good hygiene is important all the time.

What are you doing to strengthen your child's immune system in general? That's the other thing you can work on. There are many families whose kids just don't get sick, and other families who are plagued with colds, flu, strep, ear infections and, yes, cold sores. There's a reason some people fight this off, and it's not genetic.

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L.B.

answers from Boston on

Herpes - both types are NOT contagious unless the infected person is having an outbreak or "episode". The only way it can be spread is by swapping bodily fluids - or if an infected open lesion was touched by an open wound by an uninfected individual.

Please do more research on this before making your decision - some of the postings here are not factual - and people need to be careful what they post unless they are sure it's true.

S.G.

answers from Oklahoma City on

How on earth did a child get herpes from his mom????

L.M.

answers from Dover on

You may want to be more specific. Does he have a current outbreak? Is this on his mouth, his head, etc.? Herpes is quite contagious but requires direct contact w/ the lesions.

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